SPY vs WUGI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WUGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | -0.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +24.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | +9.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 28.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -56.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | AXS Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 31, 2020 |
SPY vs WUGI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF (WUGI) is a ETF from AXS Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while WUGI returned -0.65%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 16.64% for WUGI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +24.30% for WUGI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and +9.64% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, WUGI has the edge at +21.31% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WUGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.9% 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 -56.4% for WUGI. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WUGI charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $79 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.25% for WUGI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WUGI share 18 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WUGI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WUGI charges 0.79%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WUGI?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs -0.65% for WUGI, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +21.31% for WUGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WUGI?
WUGI has been the more volatile fund at 28.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WUGI -56.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and WUGI?
SPY and WUGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WUGI?
SPY and WUGI share 18 common holdings with a 22.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WUGI?
SPY yields 1.01% while WUGI yields 0.25%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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