SPY vs TOTR
SPY vs TOTR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. TOTR offers more diversification with 579 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TOTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.31% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $574M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.31% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 1,222 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | -0.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.50% | +2.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | +4.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -19.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | T.Rowe Price | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 28, 2021 |
SPY vs TOTR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF (TOTR) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price. Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while TOTR returned +2.61%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a loss of 0.65% for TOTR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +19.33% per year against +4.24% for TOTR. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs -0.54%. 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 6.6% for TOTR. 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 -19.6% for TOTR. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TOTR charges 0.31%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $31 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.31% for TOTR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TOTR share 0 holdings out of 1082 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 TOTR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TOTR charges 0.31%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TOTR?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +2.61% for TOTR, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs -0.54% for TOTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TOTR?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.6% for TOTR. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TOTR -19.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and TOTR?
SPY and TOTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TOTR?
SPY and TOTR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1082 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TOTR?
SPY yields 1.01% while TOTR yields 5.31%, so TOTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.