CAFX vs SPY
CAFX vs SPY
Congress Intermediate 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 | CAFX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $321M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.03% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.52% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Congress Asset Management Company | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CAFX vs SPY Performance
Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX) is a ETF from Congress Asset Management Company and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CAFX returned +2.52% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, CAFX is down 0.03% 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 2.6% for CAFX. 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 -2.6% for CAFX 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAFX charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAFX currently yields 4.38% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CAFX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 543 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, CAFX or SPY?
CAFX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAFX or SPY?
Over the past year CAFX returned +2.52% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAFX annualized +2.43% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAFX or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.6% for CAFX. Worst drawdown: CAFX -2.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CAFX and SPY?
CAFX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAFX and SPY?
CAFX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAFX or SPY?
CAFX yields 4.38% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CAFX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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