CAPE vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCAPESPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.65%0.09%
AUM$240M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.25%1.01%
Holdings196505
YTD Return+3.33%+11.49%
1Y Return+5.61%+21.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.25%+20.76%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.94%
Volatility (annualized)16.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-22.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDoubleLine FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 31, 2022Jan 22, 1993

CAPE vs SPY Performance

DoubleLine Shiller CAPE US Equities ETF (CAPE) is a ETF from DoubleLine Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CAPE returned +5.61% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, CAPE is up 3.33% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.

Over three years, CAPE compounded at +11.25% per year against +20.76% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +7.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CAPE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -22.1% for CAPE 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CAPE charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAPE currently yields 1.25% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

28.8%overlap

CAPE and SPY share 158 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CAPEWeight in SPYDifference
AMZN5.67%3.69%1.98%
META4.55%2.03%2.52%
TSLA4.70%1.82%2.88%
GOOGLProProPro
LLYProProPro
GOOGProProPro
JNJProProPro
WELLProProPro
PLDProProPro
ABBVProProPro
See all 10 holdings CAPE shares with SPY
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CAPE or SPY?

CAPE has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CAPE or SPY?

Over the past year CAPE returned +5.61% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CAPE annualized +7.81% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CAPE or SPY?

CAPE has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CAPE -22.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CAPE and SPY?

CAPE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CAPE and SPY?

CAPE and SPY share 158 common holdings with a 28.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CAPE or SPY?

CAPE yields 1.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CAPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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