SPY vs SSFI
SPY vs SSFI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Day Hagan Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF
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 | SPY | SSFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.76% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $29M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.55% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 10 | |
| YTD Return | +13.50% | -0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.56% | +1.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +3.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.46% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Day Hagan Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 28, 2021 |
SPY vs SSFI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Day Hagan Smart Sector Fixed Income ETF (SSFI) is a ETF from Day Hagan Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +23.56% while SSFI returned +1.80%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.50% versus a loss of 0.12% for SSFI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.17% per year against +3.34% for SSFI. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -0.31%. 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 6.1% for SSFI. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -16.1% for SSFI. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SSFI charges 0.76%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $76 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.55% for SSFI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SSFI share 0 holdings out of 512 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, SPY or SSFI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SSFI charges 0.76%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SSFI?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.56% vs +1.80% for SSFI, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs -0.31% for SSFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SSFI?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.1% for SSFI. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SSFI -16.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and SSFI?
SPY and SSFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SSFI?
SPY and SSFI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SSFI?
SPY yields 1.01% while SSFI yields 3.55%, so SSFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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