BGR vs SPY
BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BGR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BGR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $473M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.42% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +27.08% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.26% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.73% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 2004 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BGR vs SPY Performance
BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust (BGR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BGR returned +35.26% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, BGR is up 27.08% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, BGR compounded at +18.73% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +21.67% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -0.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% 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 -87.7% for BGR 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGR charges 1.11% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $111 vs $9 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGR currently yields 6.42% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BGR and SPY share 9 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGR or SPY?
BGR has an expense ratio of 1.11% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGR or SPY?
Over the past year BGR returned +35.26% vs +21.71% for SPY, so BGR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), BGR annualized -0.18% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGR or SPY?
BGR has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BGR -87.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BGR and SPY?
BGR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGR and SPY?
BGR and SPY share 9 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGR or SPY?
BGR yields 6.42% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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