BLST vs SPY
BLST vs SPY
Bluemonte Short Term Bond 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 | BLST | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.49% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.52% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Bluemonte Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BLST vs SPY Performance
Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) is a ETF from Bluemonte Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BLST returned +2.52% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BLST is up 0.49% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.8% for BLST. 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 -1.7% for BLST 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLST charges 0.23% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $9 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
BLST and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, BLST or SPY?
BLST has an expense ratio of 0.23% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLST or SPY?
Over the past year BLST returned +2.52% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BLST annualized +3.03% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLST or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.8% for BLST. Worst drawdown: BLST -1.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BLST and SPY?
BLST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLST and SPY?
BLST and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
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