CPLS vs SPY
CPLS vs SPY
AB Core Plus 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 | CPLS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $211M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.70% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 810 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.53% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.72% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CPLS vs SPY Performance
AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CPLS returned +1.72% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, CPLS is down 0.53% 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 4.2% for CPLS. 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 -4.1% for CPLS 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPLS 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, CPLS currently yields 4.70% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CPLS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 903 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, CPLS or SPY?
CPLS 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, CPLS or SPY?
Over the past year CPLS returned +1.72% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CPLS annualized +3.66% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPLS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.2% for CPLS. Worst drawdown: CPLS -4.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CPLS and SPY?
CPLS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CPLS and SPY?
CPLS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPLS or SPY?
CPLS yields 4.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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