SPY vs XOP
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. XOP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XOP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $3.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.11% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 53 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +40.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +46.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +8.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +20.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 37.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -91.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 19, 2006 |
SPY vs XOP Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while XOP returned +46.75%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 40.18% for XOP.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +8.95% for XOP; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +20.13% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +1.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XOP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.1% 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 -91.0% for XOP. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XOP 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 2.11% for XOP.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XOP share 14 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XOP?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XOP 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 XOP?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +46.75% for XOP, so XOP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +1.92% for XOP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XOP?
XOP has been the more volatile fund at 37.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XOP -91.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and XOP?
SPY and XOP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XOP?
SPY and XOP share 14 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XOP?
SPY yields 1.01% while XOP yields 2.11%, so XOP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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