SPY vs UITB

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. UITB offers more diversification with 1016 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: UITB

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYUITBWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.25%
AUM$789.1B$2.7B
Dividend Yield1.01%4.17%
Holdings5051,143
YTD Return+9.93%-0.45%
1Y Return+19.50%+2.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.33%+4.28%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.82%+0.01%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%5.5%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-17.0%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVictory Capital Management Inc.
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionJan 22, 1993Oct 24, 2017

SPY vs UITB Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and VictoryShares Core Intermediate Bond ETF (UITB) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc.. Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while UITB returned +2.66%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a loss of 0.45% for UITB.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +19.33% per year against +4.28% for UITB; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +0.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +1.09%. 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 5.5% for UITB. 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 -17.0% for UITB. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while UITB charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $25 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.17% for UITB.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPY and UITB share 1 holdings out of 1518 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPYWeight in UITBDifference
KDP0.07%0.03%0.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or UITB?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UITB charges 0.25%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or UITB?

Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +2.66% for UITB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs +1.09% for UITB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or UITB?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.5% for UITB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UITB -17.0%.

Should I hold both SPY and UITB?

SPY and UITB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UITB?

SPY and UITB share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1518 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UITB?

SPY yields 1.01% while UITB yields 4.17%, so UITB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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