SPY vs ZHDG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs ZEGA Buy and Hedge 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 | ZHDG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $37M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.47% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +6.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +12.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +13.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +5.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 12.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Zega ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 6, 2021 |
SPY vs ZHDG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) is a ETF from Zega ETFs. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while ZHDG returned +12.85%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 6.54% for ZHDG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +13.75% for ZHDG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +5.69% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +5.87%. 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 12.5% for ZHDG. 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 -23.3% for ZHDG. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while ZHDG charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $97 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.47% for ZHDG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and ZHDG share 0 holdings out of 507 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 ZHDG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while ZHDG charges 0.97%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or ZHDG?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +12.85% for ZHDG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +5.87% for ZHDG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or ZHDG?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for ZHDG. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs ZHDG -23.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and ZHDG?
SPY and ZHDG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and ZHDG?
SPY and ZHDG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or ZHDG?
SPY yields 1.01% while ZHDG yields 2.47%, so ZHDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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