SLYG vs SPY
SLYG vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SLYG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLYG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.64% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 343 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.83% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.34% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.19% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SLYG vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SLYG returned +33.34% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, SLYG is up 24.83% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, SLYG compounded at +15.19% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.95% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +6.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -62.1% for SLYG 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLYG charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLYG currently yields 0.64% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SLYG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 842 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, SLYG or SPY?
SLYG has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLYG or SPY?
Over the past year SLYG returned +33.34% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SLYG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), SLYG annualized +6.52% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLYG or SPY?
SLYG has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SLYG -62.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SLYG and SPY?
SLYG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLYG and SPY?
SLYG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 842 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLYG or SPY?
SLYG yields 0.64% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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