SPY vs XFLT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. XFLT offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XFLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 6.29% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $350M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 15.69% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | -2.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | -11.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | -0.84% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | -1.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 25.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -64.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | XA Investments LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 27, 2017 |
SPY vs XFLT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (XFLT) is a ETF from XA Investments LLC. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while XFLT returned -11.26%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a loss of 2.69% for XFLT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against -0.84% for XFLT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and -1.10% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -1.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XFLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.7% 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 -64.6% for XFLT. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XFLT charges 6.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $629 annually, a gap of $620 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 15.69% for XFLT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XFLT share 1 holdings out of 653 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in XFLT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 0.04% | 1.15% | 1.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XFLT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XFLT charges 6.29%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $620 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XFLT?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs -11.26% for XFLT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs -1.43% for XFLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XFLT?
XFLT has been the more volatile fund at 25.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XFLT -64.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and XFLT?
SPY and XFLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XFLT?
SPY and XFLT share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XFLT?
SPY yields 1.01% while XFLT yields 15.69%, so XFLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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