CNRG vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CNRG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CNRG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $207M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -2.10% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.05% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.91% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.97% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 19, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CNRG vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF (CNRG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CNRG returned +28.05% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, CNRG is down 2.10% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, CNRG compounded at +8.91% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.97% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, CNRG has the edge at +16.55% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CNRG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.8% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CNRG charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CNRG currently yields 1.34% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CNRG and VYM share 3 holdings out of 641 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CNRG or VYM?
CNRG has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CNRG or VYM?
Over the past year CNRG returned +28.05% vs +23.85% for VYM, so CNRG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), CNRG annualized +16.55% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CNRG or VYM?
CNRG has been the more volatile fund at 34.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CNRG -68.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CNRG and VYM?
CNRG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CNRG and VYM?
CNRG and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CNRG or VYM?
CNRG yields 1.34% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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