SPY vs XYLG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Global X S&P 500 Covered Call & Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. XYLG offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XYLG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $65M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 13.11% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 506 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +10.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +20.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +17.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +10.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 12.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -21.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 18, 2020 |
SPY vs XYLG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call & Growth ETF (XYLG) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while XYLG returned +20.53%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 10.85% for XYLG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +17.22% for XYLG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +10.21% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XYLG has the edge at +13.16% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 12.1% for XYLG. 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 -21.3% for XYLG. 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 XYLG 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 13.11% for XYLG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XYLG share 486 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 98.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XYLG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XYLG 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 XYLG?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +20.53% for XYLG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +13.16% for XYLG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XYLG?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.1% for XYLG. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XYLG -21.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and XYLG?
SPY and XYLG 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 XYLG?
SPY and XYLG share 486 common holdings with a 98.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XYLG?
SPY yields 1.01% while XYLG yields 13.11%, so XYLG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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