SPY vs STOT
SPY vs STOT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical 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 | STOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $499M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.40% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 536 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | -0.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.50% | +1.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | +4.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +2.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 2.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 13, 2016 |
SPY vs STOT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF (STOT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while STOT returned +1.51%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a loss of 0.84% for STOT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +19.33% per year against +4.35% for STOT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +2.29% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +2.18%. 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 2.1% for STOT. 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 -6.1% for STOT. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while STOT charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $45 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.40% for STOT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and STOT share 0 holdings out of 970 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 STOT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while STOT charges 0.45%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or STOT?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +1.51% for STOT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs +2.18% for STOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or STOT?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.1% for STOT. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs STOT -6.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and STOT?
SPY and STOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and STOT?
SPY and STOT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 970 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or STOT?
SPY yields 1.01% while STOT yields 4.40%, so STOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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