SPY vs YYY
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Amplify CEF High Income ETF
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 | YYY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 3.23% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $752M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 13.88% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +5.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +9.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +12.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +3.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Amplify ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 12, 2012 |
SPY vs YYY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Amplify CEF High Income ETF (YYY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while YYY returned +9.63%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 5.96% for YYY.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +12.12% for YYY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +3.22% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +0.36%. 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 13.6% for YYY. 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 -58.8% for YYY. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while YYY charges 3.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $323 annually, a gap of $314 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 13.88% for YYY.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and YYY share 0 holdings out of 565 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 YYY?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YYY charges 3.23%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $314 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or YYY?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +9.63% for YYY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +0.36% for YYY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or YYY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for YYY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YYY -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and YYY?
SPY and YYY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and YYY?
SPY and YYY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YYY?
SPY yields 1.01% while YYY yields 13.88%, so YYY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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