CPLB 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

MetricCPLBSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.30%0.09%
AUM$376M$789.1B
Dividend Yield5.96%1.01%
Holdings796505
YTD Return+0.34%+9.93%
1Y Return+3.51%+19.50%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.22%+19.33%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.27%+12.82%
Volatility (annualized)6.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-19.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyINDEXIQ ETF TRUSTState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 29, 2021Jan 22, 1993

CPLB vs SPY Performance

NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLB) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CPLB returned +3.51% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, CPLB is up 0.34% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.

Over three years, CPLB compounded at +5.22% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.27% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +0.56%. 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 6.6% for CPLB. 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 -19.0% for CPLB 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CPLB charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPLB currently yields 5.96% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CPLB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 922 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, CPLB or SPY?

CPLB has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CPLB or SPY?

Over the past year CPLB returned +3.51% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CPLB annualized +0.56% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CPLB or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.6% for CPLB. Worst drawdown: CPLB -19.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CPLB and SPY?

CPLB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CPLB and SPY?

CPLB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 922 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CPLB or SPY?

CPLB yields 5.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CPLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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