SPY vs XHS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. XHS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XHS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $207M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.20% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 59 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +25.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +45.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +13.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +4.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -39.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 28, 2011 |
SPY vs XHS 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 Services ETF (XHS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while XHS returned +45.33%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 25.45% for XHS.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +13.77% for XHS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and +4.68% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, XHS has the edge at +12.15% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XHS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -39.4% for XHS. 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 XHS 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 0.20% for XHS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XHS share 15 holdings out of 549 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XHS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XHS 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 XHS?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +45.33% for XHS, so XHS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +12.15% for XHS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XHS?
XHS has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XHS -39.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and XHS?
SPY and XHS 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 XHS?
SPY and XHS share 15 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XHS?
SPY yields 1.01% while XHS yields 0.20%, 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.