SPY vs WABF
SPY vs WABF
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Western Asset 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 | WABF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.01% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 449 | |
| YTD Return | +13.10% | -0.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.80% | +1.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.20% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -5.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 19, 2023 |
SPY vs WABF Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.80% while WABF returned +1.91%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.10% versus a loss of 0.69% for WABF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.5% for WABF. 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 -5.4% for WABF. 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 WABF charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $35 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.01% for WABF.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WABF share 0 holdings out of 792 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 WABF?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WABF charges 0.35%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WABF?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.80% vs +1.91% for WABF, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.83% vs +5.25% for WABF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WABF?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.5% for WABF. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WABF -5.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and WABF?
SPY and WABF 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 WABF?
SPY and WABF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WABF?
SPY yields 1.01% while WABF yields 5.01%, so WABF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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