COAL vs SPY
Range Global Coal Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. COAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COAL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $52M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.05% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.30% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Range ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
COAL vs SPY Performance
Range Global Coal Index ETF (COAL) is a ETF from Range ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year COAL returned +36.30% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, COAL is up 11.05% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COAL 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 -43.3% for COAL 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COAL charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COAL currently yields 2.65% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
COAL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 534 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, COAL or SPY?
COAL has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COAL or SPY?
Over the past year COAL returned +36.30% vs +20.83% for SPY, so COAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), COAL annualized +2.10% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COAL or SPY?
COAL has been the more volatile fund at 26.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: COAL -43.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both COAL and SPY?
COAL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COAL and SPY?
COAL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COAL or SPY?
COAL yields 2.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so COAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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