SPY vs YSPY
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY 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 | YSPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.15% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $11M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 55.95% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +4.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +16.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | GraniteShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 26, 2025 |
SPY vs YSPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF (YSPY) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while YSPY returned +16.99%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 4.17% for YSPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -15.1% for YSPY. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while YSPY charges 1.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $115 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 55.95% for YSPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or YSPY?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YSPY charges 1.15%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or YSPY?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +16.99% for YSPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +19.40% for YSPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or YSPY?
YSPY has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YSPY -15.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and YSPY?
SPY and YSPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YSPY?
SPY yields 1.01% while YSPY yields 55.95%, so YSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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