SMCP vs SPY
SMCP vs SPY
SMART Mid Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.67% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.67% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.51% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.83% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SMART Wealth, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 11, 2026 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMCP vs SPY Performance
SMART Mid Cap ETF (SMCP) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMCP returned +3.67% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, SMCP is up 3.67% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, SMCP compounded at -1.51% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.83% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +0.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -43.8% for SMCP 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCP charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCP currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMCP and SPY share 0 holdings out of 535 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, SMCP or SPY?
SMCP has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCP or SPY?
Over the past year SMCP returned +3.67% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SMCP annualized +0.53% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCP or SPY?
SMCP has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMCP -43.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMCP and SPY?
SMCP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCP and SPY?
SMCP and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCP or SPY?
SMCP yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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