SPY vs WBIY
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs WBI Power Factor High Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WBIY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WBIY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $64M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.06% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +22.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +31.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +19.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +12.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 21.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -52.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WBI Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 19, 2016 |
SPY vs WBIY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and WBI Power Factor High Dividend ETF (WBIY) is a ETF from WBI Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while WBIY returned +31.82%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 22.95% for WBIY.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +19.41% for WBIY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +12.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +7.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WBIY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for SPY and -52.1% for WBIY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WBIY charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $97 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.06% for WBIY.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WBIY share 17 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WBIY?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WBIY charges 0.97%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WBIY?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +31.82% for WBIY, so WBIY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +7.46% for WBIY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WBIY?
WBIY has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WBIY -52.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and WBIY?
SPY and WBIY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WBIY?
SPY and WBIY share 17 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WBIY?
SPY yields 1.01% while WBIY yields 4.06%, so WBIY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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