CLOU vs SPY
Global X Cloud Computing ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CLOU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CLOU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $230M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +31.78% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.20% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.19% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CLOU vs SPY Performance
Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CLOU returned +32.20% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, CLOU is up 31.78% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, CLOU compounded at +13.39% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.19% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, CLOU has the edge at +9.71% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CLOU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.0% 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 -53.7% for CLOU 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CLOU charges 0.68% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $9 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CLOU currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CLOU and SPY share 11 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CLOU or SPY?
CLOU has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CLOU or SPY?
Over the past year CLOU returned +32.20% vs +21.96% for SPY, so CLOU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), CLOU annualized +9.71% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CLOU or SPY?
CLOU has been the more volatile fund at 26.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CLOU -53.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CLOU and SPY?
CLOU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CLOU and SPY?
CLOU and SPY share 11 common holdings with a 6.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CLOU or SPY?
CLOU yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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