Generated August 8, 2026.
Overview
MAGS is an actively managed ETF holding the "Magnificent Seven" mega-cap tech stocks in equal weight, while SPMO is a passively managed index fund tracking the S&P 500 Momentum Index. The core distinction: MAGS concentrates on seven specific companies chosen for technological dominance, whereas SPMO spreads exposure across all 500 S&P names, tilting toward those with the strongest momentum characteristics.
How they differ
MAGS holds exactly seven stocks in equal weight (roughly 14% each), making it a thematic bet on mega-cap tech leadership. SPMO tracks a 500-stock momentum index, so it diversifies across the broader large-cap universe while favoring companies with upward price trends. That concentration difference alone drives their risk profiles: MAGS's beta is 1.33 versus SPMO's 1.28, reflecting higher volatility.
MAGS distributes 1.41% annually, compared to SPMO's 0.65% paid quarterly. The yield difference reflects MAGS's concentrated exposure to lower-dividend tech giants; SPMO's broader index captures more dividend-paying sectors. MAGS costs 0.29% annually, while SPMO charges 0.13%, a gap typical between active and passive approaches. SPMO has significantly larger assets ($21.3B) and a longer track record (inception October 2015 versus April 2023), giving it deeper liquidity and operational history.
Who each is best for
MAGS: Fits investors who believe the Magnificent Seven will continue driving market returns and want concentrated exposure to that thesis without manually rebalancing among those names. Works for those comfortable with higher volatility and willing to accept single-digit holdings.
SPMO: Designed for investors seeking large-cap equity exposure with a momentum tilt while retaining broad diversification across the S&P 500. Suits those who prefer passive index tracking and lower fees, or who want momentum exposure without betting heavily on a single sector or narrative.
Key risks to know
- Concentration risk in MAGS. Seven equally weighted holdings means each company drives roughly 14% of NAV. If any single Magnificent Seven stock underperforms sharply, the impact is immediate and material.
- Sector overlap and correlation. Both funds overweight technology; their holdings likely overlap significantly (particularly the Magnificent Seven members in SPMO's momentum tilt). Verify portfolio overlap before pairing them.
- Momentum factor reversals. SPMO's index systematically buys recent winners and sells recent losers. Momentum can mean-revert sharply during market regime shifts, causing rapid drawdowns when the factor falls out of favor.
- MAGS's short track record. Inception in April 2023 means MAGS has limited history through a full market cycle or bear market. Its equal-weighting discipline and performance under stress remain unproven.
- Tech-heavy sector timing. MAGS's seven-stock thesis and SPMO's momentum tilt both lean on technology strength. Prolonged tech sector underperformance would pressure both, though SPMO's breadth provides some mitigation.
Bottom line
If you want concentrated exposure to mega-cap tech and believe in the Magnificent Seven narrative, MAGS delivers that with minimal fees; if you prefer diversified large-cap momentum exposure with lower costs and a longer operating history, SPMO's index approach stands out. The tradeoff is concentration and conviction versus breadth and stability — and remember that past performance does not predict future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.