SPLG vs SPY
SPLG vs SPY
SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPLG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPLG offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPLG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.06% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.41% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.40% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.46% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | - | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | - | Equity | |
| Inception | - | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPLG vs SPY Performance
SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) is a ETF from its sponsor and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPLG returned +18.41% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, SPLG is up 17.06% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, SPLG compounded at +22.40% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +17.46% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPLG has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs +8.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -55.8% for SPLG 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPLG charges 0.02% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $9 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
SPLG and SPY share 469 holdings out of 540 unique holdings combined, representing a 83.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPLG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.33% | 7.31% | 0.02% |
| AAPL | 5.83% | 7.09% | 1.26% |
| MSFT | 7.03% | 4.43% | 2.60% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SPLG shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPLG or SPY?
SPLG has an expense ratio of 0.02% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPLG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPLG or SPY?
Over the past year SPLG returned +18.41% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPLG annualized +9.04% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPLG or SPY?
SPLG has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPLG -55.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPLG and SPY?
SPLG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPLG and SPY?
SPLG and SPY share 469 common holdings with a 83.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
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