ARGT vs SPY
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
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 | ARGT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $846M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.36% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.96% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.00% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.89% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ARGT vs SPY Performance
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ARGT returned +6.96% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ARGT is up 0.36% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, ARGT compounded at +28.00% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +23.89% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.9% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -77.2% for ARGT and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARGT charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARGT currently yields 1.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ARGT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 528 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, ARGT or SPY?
ARGT has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARGT or SPY?
Over the past year ARGT returned +6.96% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ARGT annualized +3.20% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARGT or SPY?
ARGT has been the more volatile fund at 33.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARGT -77.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARGT and SPY?
ARGT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARGT and SPY?
ARGT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARGT or SPY?
ARGT yields 1.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ARGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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