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

MetricSPYYJUNWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.90%
AUM$789.1B$138M
Dividend Yield1.01%0.00%
Holdings5055
YTD Return+13.79%+7.07%
1Y Return+23.66%+12.22%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.40%+10.38%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.37%+6.36%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%11.0%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-21.5%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementFirst Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 22, 1993Jun 18, 2021

SPY vs YJUN Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - June (YJUN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while YJUN returned +12.22%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 7.07% for YJUN.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +10.38% for YJUN; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +6.36% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.33%. 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 11.0% for YJUN. 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 -21.5% for YJUN. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while YJUN charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $90 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for YJUN.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPY and YJUN 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 YJUN?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YJUN charges 0.90%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or YJUN?

Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +12.22% for YJUN, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +6.33% for YJUN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or YJUN?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.0% for YJUN. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YJUN -21.5%.

Should I hold both SPY and YJUN?

SPY and YJUN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and YJUN?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YJUN?

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

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.