COLO vs SPY
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. COLO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COLO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $213M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.23% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +38.12% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +64.53% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.22% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.98% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
COLO vs SPY Performance
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF (COLO) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year COLO returned +64.53% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, COLO is up 38.12% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, COLO compounded at +41.22% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.98% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +4.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COLO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% 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 -83.1% for COLO 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COLO charges 0.62% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $9 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COLO currently yields 4.23% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
COLO and SPY share 0 holdings out of 527 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, COLO or SPY?
COLO has an expense ratio of 0.62% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COLO or SPY?
Over the past year COLO returned +64.53% vs +21.71% for SPY, so COLO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), COLO annualized +4.62% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COLO or SPY?
COLO has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: COLO -83.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both COLO and SPY?
COLO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COLO and SPY?
COLO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COLO or SPY?
COLO yields 4.23% while SPY yields 1.01%, so COLO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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