APLU vs SPY
APLU vs SPY
Allspring Core Plus ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | APLU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $421M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 549 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.68% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.60% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Allspring Global Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
APLU vs SPY Performance
Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) 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 APLU returned +2.60% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, APLU is down 0.68% 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 3.4% for APLU. 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 -3.2% for APLU 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APLU charges 0.31% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $9 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APLU currently yields 5.42% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
APLU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 750 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, APLU or SPY?
APLU has an expense ratio of 0.31% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APLU or SPY?
Over the past year APLU returned +2.60% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), APLU annualized +2.68% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APLU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.4% for APLU. Worst drawdown: APLU -3.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both APLU and SPY?
APLU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between APLU and SPY?
APLU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 750 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APLU or SPY?
APLU yields 5.42% while SPY yields 1.01%, so APLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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