SPY vs XFLX
SPY vs XFLX
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs FundX Flexible 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 | XFLX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $50M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 9.66% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +0.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.50% | +3.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 4.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Fund X | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 1, 2002 |
SPY vs XFLX Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and FundX Flexible ETF (XFLX) is a ETF from Fund X. Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while XFLX returned +3.39%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a gain of 0.94% for XFLX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.0% for XFLX. 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 -6.5% for XFLX. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XFLX charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $97 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 9.66% for XFLX.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XFLX share 0 holdings out of 516 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 XFLX?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XFLX charges 0.97%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XFLX?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +3.39% for XFLX, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs +4.12% for XFLX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XFLX?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.0% for XFLX. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XFLX -6.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and XFLX?
SPY and XFLX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XFLX?
SPY and XFLX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XFLX?
SPY yields 1.01% while XFLX yields 9.66%, so XFLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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