NFLT vs SPY
NFLT vs SPY
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector 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 | NFLT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $447M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.49% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 895 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.01% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.38% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.32% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.10% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 10, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NFLT vs SPY Performance
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NFLT returned +5.38% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, NFLT is up 2.01% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, NFLT compounded at +7.32% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.10% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.77%. 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 5.3% for NFLT. 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 -18.9% for NFLT 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFLT charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFLT currently yields 5.49% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NFLT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 515 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, NFLT or SPY?
NFLT has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFLT or SPY?
Over the past year NFLT returned +5.38% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), NFLT annualized +1.77% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFLT or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.3% for NFLT. Worst drawdown: NFLT -18.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NFLT and SPY?
NFLT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFLT and SPY?
NFLT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFLT or SPY?
NFLT yields 5.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NFLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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