SPAM vs. USRD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SPAM (Themes Cybersecurity ETF) and USRD (Themes US R&D Champions ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPAM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Cyber Security Index - Benchmark TR Net, while USRD is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Solactive US R&D Champions Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SPAM returned 35.08% vs 19.94% for USRD. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPAM charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for USRD.

Performance

SPAM vs. USRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) and Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPAM achieves a 37.89% return, which is significantly higher than USRD's 16.04% return.

SPAM

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 10.38%
• 6M: 31.89%
• YTD: 37.89%
• 1Y: 35.08%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

USRD

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 2.92%
• 6M: 13.70%
• YTD: 16.04%
• 1Y: 19.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SPAM vs. USRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SPAM Themes Cybersecurity ETF	37.89%	4.86%	10.58%	3.54%
USRD Themes US R&D Champions ETF	16.04%	12.44%	15.53%	5.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SPAM and USRD is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2023	0.73

The correlation between SPAM and USRD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPAM vs. USRD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPAM	USRD
Technology	89.6%	64.5%
Communication Services	5.7%	7.0%
Industrials	4.4%	3.6%
Real Estate	0.4%	1.7%
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.9%
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	14.3%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SPAM vs. USRD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPAM

SPAM Risk / Return Rank: 39
SPAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SPAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SPAM Omega Ratio Rank: 42
SPAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
SPAM Martin Ratio Rank: 29

USRD

USRD Risk / Return Rank: 35
USRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
USRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
USRD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
USRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
USRD Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

SPAM vs. USRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) and Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD). 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.

	SPAM	USRD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.08	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	1.56	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.19	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.47	1.43	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.23	4.02	-0.79

SPAM vs. USRD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPAM Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the USRD Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPAM and USRD, 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

SPAM vs. USRD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPAM drawdown since its inception was -24.02%, roughly equal to the maximum USRD drawdown of -23.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPAM and USRD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPAM	USRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.02%	-23.79%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.02%	-13.49%	-10.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	-4.34%	+1.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.52%	-3.79%	-2.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.89%	4.79%	+6.10%

Volatility

SPAM vs. USRD - Volatility Comparison

Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) has a higher volatility of 7.88% compared to Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD) at 5.81%. This indicates that SPAM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USRD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPAM	USRD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.88%	5.81%	+2.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.74%	14.91%	+8.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.91%	17.94%	+9.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.94%	19.45%	+5.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.94%	19.45%	+5.49%

SPAM vs. USRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPAM has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than USRD's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPAM vs. USRD - Dividend Comparison

SPAM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, which matches USRD's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SPAM Themes Cybersecurity ETF	0.36%	0.49%	0.13%
USRD Themes US R&D Champions ETF	0.36%	0.42%	2.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPAM and USRD in my portfolio?

SPAM and USRD have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPAM or USRD?

SPAM has higher volatility (7.88%) compared to USRD (5.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPAM dropped -24.02% vs USRD's -23.79%.

Which ETF is better, SPAM or USRD?

On 1-year performance, SPAM leads with 35.08% vs 19.94% for USRD. On fees, USRD is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, USRD has been the lower-risk option at 5.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPAM or USRD?

Over the 1-year period, SPAM has performed better with a 35.08% return vs 19.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPAM or USRD?

USRD is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SPAM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPAM or USRD?

SPAM and USRD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.36%.

What is the main difference between SPAM and USRD?

SPAM is categorized as Technology Equities, while USRD is Large Cap Blend Equities. SPAM tracks Solactive Cyber Security Index - Benchmark TR Net, while USRD tracks Solactive US R&D Champions Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SPAM and 0.29% for USRD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 1.08), 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.