BAR vs SPY
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.20% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.65% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.66% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.24% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BAR vs SPY Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is a ETF from GraniteShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BAR returned +30.65% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, BAR is up 1.20% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +31.66% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +20.24% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +14.19% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -26.3% for BAR 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAR charges 0.17% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $9 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAR or SPY?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAR or SPY?
Over the past year BAR returned +30.65% vs +22.91% for SPY, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +14.19% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAR or SPY?
BAR has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BAR and SPY?
BAR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAR or SPY?
BAR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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