CNRG vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CNRG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CNRG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $207M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -4.22% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.32% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.10% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.53% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 19, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CNRG vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF (CNRG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CNRG returned +27.32% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, CNRG is down 4.22% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, CNRG compounded at +8.10% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.53% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, CNRG has the edge at +16.21% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CNRG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.9% 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 -68.5% for CNRG 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CNRG charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CNRG currently yields 1.34% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CNRG and SPY share 8 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CNRG or SPY?
CNRG has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CNRG or SPY?
Over the past year CNRG returned +27.32% vs +20.83% for SPY, so CNRG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), CNRG annualized +16.21% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CNRG or SPY?
CNRG has been the more volatile fund at 34.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CNRG -68.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CNRG and SPY?
CNRG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CNRG and SPY?
CNRG and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CNRG or SPY?
CNRG yields 1.34% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CNRG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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