BBAG vs SPY

Quick Verdict

BBAG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. BBAG offers more diversification with 1312 holdings.

Lower Fees: BBAGHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: BBAG

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBBAGSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.09%
AUM$1.0B$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.20%1.01%
Holdings1,791505
YTD Return-1.66%+9.93%
1Y Return+1.55%+19.50%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.47%+19.33%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.78%+12.82%
Volatility (annualized)5.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-19.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyJ.P. Morgan Asset ManagementState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 12, 2018Jan 22, 1993

BBAG vs SPY Performance

JPMorgan BetaBuilders US Aggregate Bond ETF (BBAG) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BBAG returned +1.55% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, BBAG is down 1.66% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.

Over three years, BBAG compounded at +3.47% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.78% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +0.84%. 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 5.7% for BBAG. 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 -19.6% for BBAG 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BBAG charges 0.03% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBAG currently yields 4.20% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

BBAG and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1814 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BBAGWeight in SPYDifference
KDP0.05%0.07%0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BBAG or SPY?

BBAG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPY charges 0.09%. BBAG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BBAG or SPY?

Over the past year BBAG returned +1.55% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), BBAG annualized +0.84% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BBAG or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.7% for BBAG. Worst drawdown: BBAG -19.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both BBAG and SPY?

BBAG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BBAG and SPY?

BBAG and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1814 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BBAG or SPY?

BBAG yields 4.20% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BBAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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