SPY vs YMAR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | YMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $164M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +8.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +13.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +12.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +6.80% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 10.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 19, 2021 |
SPY vs YMAR 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 - March (YMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while YMAR returned +13.15%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 8.25% for YMAR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +12.16% for YMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +6.80% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.26%. 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 10.1% for YMAR. 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 -22.6% for YMAR. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while YMAR 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 YMAR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and YMAR 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 YMAR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YMAR 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 YMAR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +13.15% for YMAR, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +7.26% for YMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or YMAR?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for YMAR. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YMAR -22.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and YMAR?
SPY and YMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and YMAR?
SPY and YMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YMAR?
SPY yields 1.01% while YMAR yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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