CCIF vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCCIFSPYWinner
Expense Ratio13.82%0.09%
AUM$56M$789.1B
Dividend Yield38.71%1.01%
Holdings45505
YTD Return-31.54%+13.39%
1Y Return-33.81%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)-14.43%+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)-9.14%+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)18.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-55.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyCarlyle Credit Income FundState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 30, 2011Jan 22, 1993

CCIF vs SPY Performance

Carlyle Credit Income Fund (CCIF) is a ETF from Carlyle Credit Income Fund and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CCIF returned -33.81% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, CCIF is down 31.54% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Over three years, CCIF compounded at -14.43% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -9.14% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -2.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CCIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -55.6% for CCIF 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CCIF charges 13.82% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $1382 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1373 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CCIF currently yields 38.71% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CCIF or SPY?

CCIF has an expense ratio of 13.82% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1373 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CCIF or SPY?

Over the past year CCIF returned -33.81% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), CCIF annualized -2.84% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CCIF or SPY?

CCIF has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CCIF -55.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CCIF and SPY?

CCIF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CCIF or SPY?

CCIF yields 38.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CCIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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