BRTR vs SPY
BRTR vs SPY
iShares Total Return Active ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRTR offers more diversification with 1114 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRTR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $735M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.72% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,915 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.20% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.47% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BRTR vs SPY Performance
iShares Total Return Active ETF (BRTR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BRTR returned +2.47% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, BRTR is down 0.20% 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 4.9% for BRTR. 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 -4.7% for BRTR 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRTR charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRTR currently yields 4.72% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BRTR and SPY share 16 holdings out of 1601 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BRTR | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSFT | 0.03% | 4.43% | 4.40% |
| LLY | 0.03% | 1.46% | 1.43% |
| JPM | 0.05% | 1.40% | 1.35% |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DIS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMUS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TDG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BRTR 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, BRTR or SPY?
BRTR has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRTR or SPY?
Over the past year BRTR returned +2.47% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BRTR annualized +4.76% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRTR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.9% for BRTR. Worst drawdown: BRTR -4.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BRTR and SPY?
BRTR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRTR and SPY?
BRTR and SPY share 16 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRTR or SPY?
BRTR yields 4.72% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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