SPY vs YEAR
SPY vs YEAR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs AB Ultra Short Income 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 | YEAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.26% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 169 | |
| YTD Return | +13.50% | +1.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.56% | +3.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +4.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.46% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 0.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -0.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | AllianceBernstein L.P. | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 13, 2022 |
SPY vs YEAR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and AB Ultra Short Income ETF (YEAR) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P.. Over the past year SPY returned +23.56% while YEAR returned +3.40%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.50% versus a gain of 1.40% for YEAR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.17% per year against +4.82% for YEAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 0.9% for YEAR. 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 -0.6% for YEAR. 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while YEAR 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 4.26% for YEAR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and YEAR share 0 holdings out of 602 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 YEAR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YEAR 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 YEAR?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.56% vs +3.40% for YEAR, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +4.83% for YEAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or YEAR?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.9% for YEAR. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YEAR -0.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and YEAR?
SPY and YEAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and YEAR?
SPY and YEAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 602 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YEAR?
SPY yields 1.01% while YEAR yields 4.26%, so YEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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