SPY vs WEED
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Roundhill Cannabis ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WEED | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.41% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 9 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | -0.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +0.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +0.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 80.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -88.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Roundhill Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 20, 2022 |
SPY vs WEED Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Roundhill Cannabis ETF (WEED) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while WEED returned +0.15%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a loss of 0.66% for WEED.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +0.21% for WEED. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -26.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WEED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 80.0% 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 -88.1% for WEED. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WEED charges 0.41%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $41 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for WEED.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WEED share 0 holdings out of 505 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 WEED?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WEED charges 0.41%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WEED?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +0.15% for WEED, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs -26.27% for WEED. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WEED?
WEED has been the more volatile fund at 80.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WEED -88.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and WEED?
SPY and WEED have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WEED?
SPY and WEED share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WEED?
SPY yields 1.01% while WEED yields 0.00%, so SPY 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.