SPY vs YGLD
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Simplify Gold Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. YGLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | YGLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 22.33% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +1.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +40.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 39.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -43.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 2, 2024 |
SPY vs YGLD Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Simplify Gold Strategy ETF (YGLD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while YGLD returned +40.28%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 1.28% for YGLD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.9% 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 -43.4% for YGLD. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while YGLD charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $53 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 22.33% for YGLD.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and YGLD share 0 holdings out of 505 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 YGLD?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YGLD charges 0.53%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or YGLD?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +40.28% for YGLD, so YGLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +46.34% for YGLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or YGLD?
YGLD has been the more volatile fund at 39.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YGLD -43.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and YGLD?
SPY and YGLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and YGLD?
SPY and YGLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YGLD?
SPY yields 1.01% while YGLD yields 22.33%, so YGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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