SPY vs ZIG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs The Acquirers Fund 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 | ZIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.75% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +10.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +9.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +10.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +8.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -37.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Acquirers Funds, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 14, 2019 |
SPY vs ZIG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and The Acquirers Fund ETF (ZIG) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while ZIG returned +9.67%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 10.77% for ZIG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +10.59% for ZIG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +8.31% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -37.1% for ZIG. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while ZIG charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $75 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.75% for ZIG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and ZIG share 12 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or ZIG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while ZIG charges 0.75%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or ZIG?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +9.67% for ZIG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +7.87% for ZIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or ZIG?
ZIG has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs ZIG -37.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and ZIG?
SPY and ZIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and ZIG?
SPY and ZIG share 12 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or ZIG?
SPY yields 1.01% while ZIG yields 1.75%, so ZIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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