OPP 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

MetricOPPSPYWinner
Expense Ratio5.40%0.09%
AUM$206M$789.1B
Dividend Yield13.33%1.01%
Holdings10,170505
YTD Return+3.37%+11.49%
1Y Return-1.71%+21.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+8.74%+20.76%
5Y Return (annualized)-1.46%+12.94%
Volatility (annualized)13.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-45.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyRiverNorthState Street Investment Management
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionSep 27, 2016Jan 22, 1993

OPP vs SPY Performance

RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Opportunity Fund Inc. (OPP) is a ETF from RiverNorth and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year OPP returned -1.71% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, OPP is up 3.37% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.

Over three years, OPP compounded at +8.74% per year against +20.76% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.46% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs -2.28%. 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 13.1% for OPP. 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 -45.9% for OPP 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

OPP charges 5.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $540 vs $9 annually, a gap of $531 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OPP currently yields 13.33% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

OPP and SPY share 0 holdings out of 568 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, OPP or SPY?

OPP has an expense ratio of 5.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $531 per year of difference.

Which performed better, OPP or SPY?

Over the past year OPP returned -1.71% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), OPP annualized -2.28% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, OPP or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.1% for OPP. Worst drawdown: OPP -45.9% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both OPP and SPY?

OPP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between OPP and SPY?

OPP and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 568 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, OPP or SPY?

OPP yields 13.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so OPP currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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