JABS 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

MetricJABSSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.33%0.09%
AUM-$789.1B
Dividend Yield3.81%1.01%
Holdings125505
YTD Return+1.95%+11.49%
1Y Return+3.89%+21.37%
3Y Return (annualized)-+20.76%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.94%
Volatility (annualized)1.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyJanus Henderson InvestorsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 22, 2025Jan 22, 1993

JABS vs SPY Performance

Janus Henderson Asset-Backed Securities ETF (JABS) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JABS returned +3.89% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, JABS is up 1.95% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.3% for JABS. 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 -1.0% for JABS 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

JABS charges 0.33% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $9 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JABS currently yields 3.81% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

JABS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 534 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, JABS or SPY?

JABS has an expense ratio of 0.33% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.

Which performed better, JABS or SPY?

Over the past year JABS returned +3.89% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), JABS annualized +4.21% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, JABS or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.3% for JABS. Worst drawdown: JABS -1.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both JABS and SPY?

JABS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between JABS and SPY?

JABS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, JABS or SPY?

JABS yields 3.81% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JABS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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