SPY vs YOLO
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs ADVISORSHARES PURE CANNABIS ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | YOLO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.51% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | -14.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | -11.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +4.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | -29.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 53.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -94.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Advisor Shares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 17, 2019 |
SPY vs YOLO Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ADVISORSHARES PURE CANNABIS ETF (YOLO) is a ETF from Advisor Shares. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while YOLO returned -11.66%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a loss of 14.79% for YOLO.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +4.32% for YOLO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and -29.70% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -23.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YOLO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.4% 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 -94.7% for YOLO. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while YOLO charges 0.51%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $51 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for YOLO.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and YOLO share 0 holdings out of 522 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 YOLO?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YOLO charges 0.51%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or YOLO?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs -11.66% for YOLO, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs -23.82% for YOLO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or YOLO?
YOLO has been the more volatile fund at 53.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YOLO -94.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and YOLO?
SPY and YOLO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and YOLO?
SPY and YOLO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YOLO?
SPY yields 1.01% while YOLO yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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