SHYL vs SPY
SHYL vs SPY
Xtrackers Short Duration High Yield 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. SHYL offers more diversification with 737 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SHYL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $271M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 838 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.15% | +11.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.94% | +21.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.81% | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.81% | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 9, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SHYL vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (SHYL) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SHYL returned +3.94% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, SHYL is up 1.15% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.
Over three years, SHYL compounded at +7.81% per year against +20.76% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.81% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +2.51%. 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 6.4% for SHYL. 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 -21.6% for SHYL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SHYL charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHYL currently yields 6.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SHYL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1240 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, SHYL or SPY?
SHYL has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHYL or SPY?
Over the past year SHYL returned +3.94% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SHYL annualized +2.51% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHYL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.4% for SHYL. Worst drawdown: SHYL -21.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SHYL and SPY?
SHYL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SHYL and SPY?
SHYL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1240 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHYL or SPY?
SHYL yields 6.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SHYL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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