SPY vs TBFG
SPY vs TBFG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs The Brinsmere Fund - Growth 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 | TBFG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $379M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.38% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 28 | |
| YTD Return | +13.50% | +10.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.56% | +20.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.46% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 9.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -14.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Brinsmere Fund | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 12, 2024 |
SPY vs TBFG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF (TBFG) is a ETF from Brinsmere Fund. Over the past year SPY returned +23.56% while TBFG returned +20.30%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.50% versus a gain of 10.47% for TBFG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.3% for TBFG. 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 -14.2% for TBFG. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TBFG charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $46 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.38% for TBFG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TBFG share 0 holdings out of 530 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 TBFG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TBFG charges 0.46%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TBFG?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.56% vs +20.30% for TBFG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +13.74% for TBFG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TBFG?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.3% for TBFG. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TBFG -14.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and TBFG?
SPY and TBFG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 SPY and TBFG?
SPY and TBFG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TBFG?
SPY yields 1.01% while TBFG yields 2.38%, so TBFG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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