SPY vs XB
SPY vs XB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs BondBloxx B Rated USD High Yield Corporate 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 | XB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $72M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 7.10% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 585 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +2.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +5.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +7.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 7.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -9.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | BondBloxx | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 24, 2022 |
SPY vs XB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and BondBloxx B Rated USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (XB) is a ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while XB returned +5.42%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 2.32% for XB.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +7.89% for XB. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.06%. 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 7.4% for XB. 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 -9.3% for XB. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XB charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $30 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 7.10% for XB.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XB share 0 holdings out of 995 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 XB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XB charges 0.30%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XB?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +5.42% for XB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +6.06% for XB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XB?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.4% for XB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XB -9.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and XB?
SPY and XB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XB?
SPY and XB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 995 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XB?
SPY yields 1.01% while XB yields 7.10%, so XB 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.