SPY vs XHE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment 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 | XHE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $155M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.06% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 69 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +8.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +17.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +2.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | -5.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -49.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPY vs XHE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF (XHE) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while XHE returned +17.53%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 8.93% for XHE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +2.06% for XHE; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and -5.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XHE has the edge at +9.87% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XHE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -49.9% for XHE. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XHE charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $35 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.06% for XHE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XHE share 18 holdings out of 554 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XHE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XHE charges 0.35%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XHE?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +17.53% for XHE, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +9.87% for XHE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XHE?
XHE has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XHE -49.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and XHE?
SPY and XHE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XHE?
SPY and XHE share 18 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 554 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XHE?
SPY yields 1.01% while XHE yields 0.06%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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