AFIX vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAFIXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.09%
AUM$217M$789.1B
Dividend Yield5.03%1.01%
Holdings561505
YTD Return-0.45%+9.93%
1Y Return+2.94%+19.50%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.33%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.82%
Volatility (annualized)3.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-3.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAllspring Global InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 4, 2024Jan 22, 1993

AFIX vs SPY Performance

Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) is a ETF from Allspring Global Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AFIX returned +2.94% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, AFIX is down 0.45% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.6% for AFIX. 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 -3.3% for AFIX and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AFIX charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFIX currently yields 5.03% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

AFIX and SPY share 1 holdings out of 881 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AFIXWeight in SPYDifference
T0.06%0.22%0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AFIX or SPY?

AFIX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AFIX or SPY?

Over the past year AFIX returned +2.94% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFIX annualized +3.10% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AFIX or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.6% for AFIX. Worst drawdown: AFIX -3.3% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both AFIX and SPY?

AFIX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AFIX and SPY?

AFIX and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 881 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AFIX or SPY?

AFIX yields 5.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AFIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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