HAIL vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HAIL (SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HAIL is a Global Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HAIL returned -6.30%/yr vs 13.51%/yr for SPY. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HAIL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

HAIL vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HAIL achieves a 20.85% return, which is significantly higher than SPY's 9.74% return.

HAIL

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -1.13%
• YTD: 20.85%
• 6M: 16.53%
• 1Y: 43.03%
• 3Y*: 11.17%
• 5Y*: -6.30%
• 10Y*: —

SPY

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 9.74%
• 6M: 9.27%
• 1Y: 26.65%
• 3Y*: 21.27%
• 5Y*: 13.51%
• 10Y*: 15.70%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

HAIL vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	20.85%	19.62%	-6.98%	9.65%	-45.72%	1.95%	84.33%	30.63%	-19.96%	-0.65%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	9.74%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	-0.12%

Correlation

The correlation between HAIL and SPY is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2017	0.74

The correlation between HAIL and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

HAIL vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HAIL	SPY
Technology	39.4%	39.0%
Consumer Cyclical	32.6%	9.9%
Industrials	21.0%	7.8%
Communication Services	4.8%	10.6%
Financial Services	3.1%	11.1%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.7%
Energy	1.1%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.5%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

HAIL vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

HAIL

HAIL Risk / Return Rank: 42
HAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
HAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
HAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 38
HAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
HAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 42

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 68
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 68
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 74

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

HAIL vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	HAIL	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	2.16	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	2.91	-0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.39	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	3.01	-0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.63	13.54	-6.90

HAIL vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAIL Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is lower than the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAIL and SPY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

HAIL vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAIL drawdown since its inception was -65.98%, which is greater than SPY's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAIL and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAIL	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.98%	-55.19%	-10.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.64%	-8.88%	-9.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.96%	-18.76%	-22.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.01%	-24.50%	-38.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.25%	-1.75%	-34.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.61%	-9.04%	-22.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.51%	1.97%	+4.54%

Volatility

HAIL vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) has a higher volatility of 13.43% compared to State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 4.64%. This indicates that HAIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HAIL	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.43%	4.64%	+8.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.53%	9.75%	+14.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.76%	12.43%	+18.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.14%	17.14%	+15.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.85%	17.99%	+13.86%

HAIL vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAIL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAIL vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

HAIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.82%, more than SPY's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	1.82%	2.00%	2.98%	2.62%	2.09%	1.36%	0.52%	1.17%	2.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.01%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HAIL and SPY in my portfolio?

HAIL and SPY have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HAIL or SPY?

HAIL has higher volatility (13.43%) compared to SPY (4.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAIL dropped -65.98% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, HAIL or SPY?

On 5-year performance, SPY leads with 13.51% vs -6.30% for HAIL. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HAIL or SPY?

Over the 5-year period, SPY has performed better with a 13.51% return vs -6.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAIL or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for HAIL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HAIL or SPY?

HAIL has the higher dividend yield at 1.82%, compared with 1.01% for SPY.

What is the main difference between HAIL and SPY?

HAIL is categorized as Global Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. HAIL tracks S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for HAIL and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.41), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.