SCEC 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

MetricSCECSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.09%
AUM$598M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.84%1.01%
Holdings339505
YTD Return-2.78%+13.50%
1Y Return-0.99%+23.56%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.46%
Volatility (annualized)3.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-4.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilySterling Capital Active ETFState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 14, 2025Jan 22, 1993

SCEC vs SPY Performance

Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF (SCEC) is a ETF from Sterling Capital Active ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCEC returned -0.99% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, SCEC is down 2.78% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.6% for SCEC. 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 -4.6% for SCEC 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCEC charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCEC currently yields 4.84% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCEC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 715 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, SCEC or SPY?

SCEC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCEC or SPY?

Over the past year SCEC returned -0.99% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCEC annualized +1.16% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCEC or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.6% for SCEC. Worst drawdown: SCEC -4.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both SCEC and SPY?

SCEC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCEC and SPY?

SCEC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 715 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCEC or SPY?

SCEC yields 4.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SCEC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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