AKAF vs SPY
AKAF vs SPY
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AKAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AKAF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 137 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.88% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.14% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Economic Fund | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AKAF vs SPY Performance
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF (AKAF) is a ETF from Frontier Economic Fund and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AKAF returned +30.14% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, AKAF is up 12.88% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.9% for AKAF. 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 -9.3% for AKAF 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AKAF 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, AKAF currently yields 3.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AKAF and SPY share 71 holdings out of 571 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AKAF | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 0.84% | 7.09% | 6.25% |
| MSFT | 0.69% | 4.43% | 3.74% |
| AMZN | 0.79% | 3.69% | 2.90% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UBER | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DASH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UPS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AKAF shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AKAF or SPY?
AKAF 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, AKAF or SPY?
Over the past year AKAF returned +30.14% vs +23.56% for SPY, so AKAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AKAF annualized +29.32% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AKAF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for AKAF. Worst drawdown: AKAF -9.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AKAF and SPY?
AKAF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AKAF and SPY?
AKAF and SPY share 71 common holdings with a 13.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 571 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AKAF or SPY?
AKAF yields 3.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AKAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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