CGW vs SPY
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.97% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.90% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.20% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CGW vs SPY Performance
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CGW returned +1.90% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, CGW is up 1.97% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, CGW compounded at +11.20% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.51% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -57.2% for CGW 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGW charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGW currently yields 1.54% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CGW and SPY share 5 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGW or SPY?
CGW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGW or SPY?
Over the past year CGW returned +1.90% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), CGW annualized +7.16% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGW or SPY?
CGW has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CGW -57.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CGW and SPY?
CGW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGW and SPY?
CGW and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGW or SPY?
CGW yields 1.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CGW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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