CMDY vs SPY
iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CMDY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CMDY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $627M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.67% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.11% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.35% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.82% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.34% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CMDY vs SPY Performance
iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF (CMDY) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CMDY returned +37.35% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, CMDY is up 24.11% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, CMDY compounded at +13.82% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.34% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.8% for CMDY. 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 -31.2% for CMDY 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CMDY charges 0.28% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $9 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CMDY currently yields 10.67% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CMDY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, CMDY or SPY?
CMDY has an expense ratio of 0.28% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CMDY or SPY?
Over the past year CMDY returned +37.35% vs +21.71% for SPY, so CMDY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), CMDY annualized +7.84% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CMDY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.8% for CMDY. Worst drawdown: CMDY -31.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CMDY and SPY?
CMDY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CMDY and SPY?
CMDY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CMDY or SPY?
CMDY yields 10.67% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CMDY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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