CHY vs SPY
Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CHY delivered stronger 1-year returns. CHY offers more diversification with 620 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CHY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.84% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.17% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 620 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.39% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.90% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.18% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.84% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2003 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CHY vs SPY Performance
Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund (CHY) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CHY returned +33.90% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, CHY is up 21.39% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, CHY compounded at +17.18% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.84% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +1.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CHY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -66.9% for CHY 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CHY charges 1.84% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $184 vs $9 annually, a gap of $175 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHY currently yields 8.17% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CHY and SPY share 7 holdings out of 1008 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CHY or SPY?
CHY has an expense ratio of 1.84% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $175 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CHY or SPY?
Over the past year CHY returned +33.90% vs +21.82% for SPY, so CHY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), CHY annualized +1.59% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CHY or SPY?
CHY has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CHY -66.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CHY and SPY?
CHY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CHY and SPY?
CHY and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1008 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CHY or SPY?
CHY yields 8.17% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.