BGH vs SPY
Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund 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 | BGH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.88% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $298M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 248 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.49% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.85% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Barings | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BGH vs SPY Performance
Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund (BGH) is a ETF from Barings and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BGH returned -0.49% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, BGH is up 0.30% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, BGH compounded at +13.34% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.85% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -0.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BGH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -63.8% for BGH 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGH charges 3.88% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $388 vs $9 annually, a gap of $379 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGH currently yields 11.44% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BGH and SPY share 0 holdings out of 610 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, BGH or SPY?
BGH has an expense ratio of 3.88% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $379 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGH or SPY?
Over the past year BGH returned -0.49% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BGH annualized -0.16% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGH or SPY?
BGH has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BGH -63.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BGH and SPY?
BGH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGH and SPY?
BGH and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGH or SPY?
BGH yields 11.44% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BGH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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