SPY vs ZAP
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Global X US Electrification 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 | ZAP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $475M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.67% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 47 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +7.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +15.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 17, 2024 |
SPY vs ZAP Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Global X US Electrification ETF (ZAP) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while ZAP returned +15.06%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 7.63% for ZAP.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZAP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -11.9% for ZAP. 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 ZAP charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $50 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.67% for ZAP.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and ZAP share 23 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or ZAP?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while ZAP charges 0.50%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or ZAP?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +15.06% for ZAP, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +20.62% for ZAP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or ZAP?
ZAP has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs ZAP -11.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and ZAP?
SPY and ZAP 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 ZAP?
SPY and ZAP share 23 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or ZAP?
SPY yields 1.01% while ZAP yields 1.67%, so ZAP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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