SPY vs WEAT

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYWEATWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%1.00%
AUM$789.1B$294M
Dividend Yield1.01%0.00%
Holdings50529
YTD Return+13.68%+21.80%
1Y Return+21.53%+15.45%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.44%-8.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.18%-7.90%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%23.0%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-84.3%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementTeucrium
CategoryEquityCommodity
InceptionJan 22, 1993Sep 19, 2011

SPY vs WEAT Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Teucrium Wheat Fund ETF (WEAT) is a ETF from Teucrium. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while WEAT returned +15.45%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 21.80% for WEAT.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against -8.27% for WEAT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and -7.90% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -10.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

WEAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -84.3% for WEAT. 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while WEAT charges 1.00%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $100 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for WEAT.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPY and WEAT share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or WEAT?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WEAT charges 1.00%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or WEAT?

Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +15.45% for WEAT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs -10.29% for WEAT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or WEAT?

WEAT has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WEAT -84.3%.

Should I hold both SPY and WEAT?

SPY and WEAT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WEAT?

SPY and WEAT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WEAT?

SPY yields 1.01% while WEAT yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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