SHAG vs SPY
SHAG vs SPY
Wisdomtree Yield Enhanced US Short-Term Aggregate Bond Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SHAG offers more diversification with 1024 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SHAG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $47M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.31% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,122 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.60% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.05% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.79% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.02% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SHAG vs SPY Performance
Wisdomtree Yield Enhanced US Short-Term Aggregate Bond Fund (SHAG) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SHAG returned +0.05% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, SHAG is down 1.60% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, SHAG compounded at +3.79% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.02% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.85%. 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 2.6% for SHAG. 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 -9.6% for SHAG 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SHAG charges 0.12% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHAG currently yields 4.31% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SHAG or SPY?
SHAG has an expense ratio of 0.12% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHAG or SPY?
Over the past year SHAG returned +0.05% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SHAG annualized +1.85% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHAG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.6% for SHAG. Worst drawdown: SHAG -9.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SHAG and SPY?
SHAG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SHAG and SPY?
SHAG and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHAG or SPY?
SHAG yields 4.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SHAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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