RFFC vs SPY
RFFC vs SPY
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RFFC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFFC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $30M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.36% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.78% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.12% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RFFC vs SPY Performance
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RFFC returned +26.78% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, RFFC is up 14.36% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, RFFC compounded at +21.12% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFFC has the edge at +12.23% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -36.5% for RFFC 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFFC charges 0.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $9 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFFC currently yields 0.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RFFC and SPY share 48 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RFFC | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 5.64% | 7.09% | 1.45% |
| NVDA | 3.97% | 7.31% | 3.34% |
| MSFT | 4.53% | 4.43% | 0.10% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RFFC shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFFC or SPY?
RFFC has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFFC or SPY?
Over the past year RFFC returned +26.78% vs +23.66% for SPY, so RFFC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFFC annualized +12.23% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFFC or SPY?
RFFC has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RFFC -36.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RFFC and SPY?
RFFC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between RFFC and SPY?
RFFC and SPY share 48 common holdings with a 38.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFFC or SPY?
RFFC yields 0.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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