SPY vs WBND
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Western Asset Total Return ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. WBND offers more diversification with 512 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WBND | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $10M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.06% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 512 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +4.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +1.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +1.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | -2.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 142.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -81.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 3, 2018 |
SPY vs WBND Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Western Asset Total Return ETF (WBND) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while WBND returned +1.11%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 4.40% for WBND.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +1.75% for WBND; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and -2.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +0.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WBND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 142.2% 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 -81.5% for WBND. 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WBND charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $65 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.06% for WBND.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WBND?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WBND charges 0.65%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WBND?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +1.11% for WBND, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +0.85% for WBND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WBND?
WBND has been the more volatile fund at 142.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WBND -81.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and WBND?
SPY and WBND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WBND?
SPY yields 1.01% while WBND yields 4.06%, so WBND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.