BNO vs SPY
United States Brent Oil Fund, LP vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $652M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +79.54% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +72.22% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.04% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.38% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BNO vs SPY Performance
United States Brent Oil Fund, LP (BNO) is a ETF from USCF Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BNO returned +72.22% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BNO is up 79.54% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BNO compounded at +20.04% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +22.38% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BNO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.2% 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 -93.3% for BNO 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNO charges 1.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $115 vs $9 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNO currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BNO and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, BNO or SPY?
BNO has an expense ratio of 1.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNO or SPY?
Over the past year BNO returned +72.22% vs +21.53% for SPY, so BNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BNO annualized +4.31% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNO or SPY?
BNO has been the more volatile fund at 35.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BNO -93.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BNO and SPY?
BNO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNO and SPY?
BNO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNO or SPY?
BNO yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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