Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYXJUNWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.85%
AUM$789.1B$136M
Dividend Yield1.01%0.00%
Holdings5056
YTD Return+13.79%+5.07%
1Y Return+23.66%+8.83%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.40%+10.31%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.37%+8.65%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%5.8%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-9.1%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementFirst Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 22, 1993Jul 12, 2021

SPY vs XJUN Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - June (XJUN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while XJUN returned +8.83%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 5.07% for XJUN.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +10.31% for XJUN; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +8.65% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.8% for XJUN. 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 -9.1% for XJUN. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while XJUN charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $85 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for XJUN.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPY and XJUN share 0 holdings out of 504 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 XJUN?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XJUN charges 0.85%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or XJUN?

Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +8.83% for XJUN, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +8.66% for XJUN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or XJUN?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.8% for XJUN. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XJUN -9.1%.

Should I hold both SPY and XJUN?

SPY and XJUN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XJUN?

SPY and XJUN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XJUN?

SPY yields 1.01% while XJUN yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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