SPY vs TUSB
SPY vs TUSB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Thrivent Ultra Short Bond 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 | TUSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $221M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.63% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 446 | |
| YTD Return | +13.10% | +2.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.80% | +4.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.20% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 0.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -0.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Thrivent Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 19, 2025 |
SPY vs TUSB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Thrivent Ultra Short Bond ETF (TUSB) is a ETF from Thrivent Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +22.80% while TUSB returned +4.53%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.10% versus a gain of 2.46% for TUSB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 0.7% for TUSB. 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 -0.5% for TUSB. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TUSB charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $20 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.63% for TUSB.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TUSB share 0 holdings out of 742 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 TUSB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TUSB charges 0.20%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TUSB?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.80% vs +4.53% for TUSB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.83% vs +4.63% for TUSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TUSB?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.7% for TUSB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TUSB -0.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and TUSB?
SPY and TUSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TUSB?
SPY and TUSB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 742 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TUSB?
SPY yields 1.01% while TUSB yields 4.63%, so TUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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