CNXT vs SPY
VanEck ChiNext ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CNXT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CNXT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $108M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.84% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.12% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.61% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 220.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CNXT vs SPY Performance
VanEck ChiNext ETF (CNXT) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CNXT returned +60.12% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, CNXT is up 12.84% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, CNXT compounded at +22.61% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 28-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +4.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CNXT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 220.6% 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 -99.9% for CNXT 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CNXT charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CNXT currently yields 0.13% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CNXT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 601 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, CNXT or SPY?
CNXT has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CNXT or SPY?
Over the past year CNXT returned +60.12% vs +22.52% for SPY, so CNXT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (28 years), CNXT annualized +4.49% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CNXT or SPY?
CNXT has been the more volatile fund at 220.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CNXT -99.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CNXT and SPY?
CNXT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CNXT and SPY?
CNXT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CNXT or SPY?
CNXT yields 0.13% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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