CGRO 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

MetricCGROSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.89%0.09%
AUM$2M$789.1B
Dividend Yield3.69%1.01%
Holdings33505
YTD Return-17.51%+13.39%
1Y Return-13.88%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.89%+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)+5.89%+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)62.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-42.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyCORE VALUES ALPHAState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 16, 2023Jan 22, 1993

CGRO vs SPY Performance

CoreValues Alpha Greater China Growth ETF (CGRO) is a ETF from CORE VALUES ALPHA and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CGRO returned -13.88% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, CGRO is down 17.51% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Over three years, CGRO compounded at +5.89% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.89% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, CGRO has the edge at +15.45% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 62.6% 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 -42.1% for CGRO 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CGRO charges 0.89% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $9 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGRO currently yields 3.69% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

1.8%overlap

CGRO and SPY share 1 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CGROWeight in SPYDifference
TSLA3.94%1.82%2.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CGRO or SPY?

CGRO has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CGRO or SPY?

Over the past year CGRO returned -13.88% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), CGRO annualized +15.45% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CGRO or SPY?

CGRO has been the more volatile fund at 62.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CGRO -42.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CGRO and SPY?

CGRO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CGRO and SPY?

CGRO and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CGRO or SPY?

CGRO yields 3.69% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CGRO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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