HNDL vs SPY
HNDL vs SPY
Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7 HANDL Index 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 | HNDL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $631M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.84% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.39% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.59% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.63% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.62% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | STRATEGY SHARES | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 17, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HNDL vs SPY Performance
Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7 HANDL Index ETF (HNDL) is a ETF from STRATEGY SHARES and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HNDL returned +11.59% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, HNDL is up 7.39% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, HNDL compounded at +11.63% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.62% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.45%. 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 10.9% for HNDL. 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 -23.7% for HNDL 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HNDL charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HNDL currently yields 6.84% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HNDL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 523 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, HNDL or SPY?
HNDL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HNDL or SPY?
Over the past year HNDL returned +11.59% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HNDL annualized +3.45% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HNDL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.9% for HNDL. Worst drawdown: HNDL -23.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HNDL and SPY?
HNDL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HNDL and SPY?
HNDL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HNDL or SPY?
HNDL yields 6.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HNDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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