SPY vs XLSR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street US Sector Rotation 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 | XLSR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $1.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.46% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 21 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +6.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +17.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +16.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 2, 2019 |
SPY vs XLSR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street US Sector Rotation ETF (XLSR) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while XLSR returned +17.55%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 6.23% for XLSR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +16.74% for XLSR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, XLSR has the edge at +12.36% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLSR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -32.9% for XLSR. 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 0.98. 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 XLSR charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $70 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.46% for XLSR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XLSR share 22 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XLSR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XLSR charges 0.70%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XLSR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +17.55% for XLSR, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +12.36% for XLSR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XLSR?
XLSR has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XLSR -32.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and XLSR?
SPY and XLSR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 XLSR?
SPY and XLSR share 22 common holdings with a 23.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XLSR?
SPY yields 1.01% while XLSR yields 0.46%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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