CGXU vs SPY
Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CGXU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGXU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.10% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 73 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.60% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.44% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.43% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Capital Group (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CGXU vs SPY Performance
Capital Group International Focus Equity ETF (CGXU) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CGXU returned +33.44% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, CGXU is up 17.60% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, CGXU compounded at +19.43% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, CGXU has the edge at +10.62% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGXU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -25.6% for CGXU 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGXU charges 0.54% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $9 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGXU currently yields 5.10% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CGXU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 581 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, CGXU or SPY?
CGXU has an expense ratio of 0.54% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGXU or SPY?
Over the past year CGXU returned +33.44% vs +21.82% for SPY, so CGXU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CGXU annualized +10.62% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGXU or SPY?
CGXU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CGXU -25.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CGXU and SPY?
CGXU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGXU and SPY?
CGXU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGXU or SPY?
CGXU yields 5.10% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CGXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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