COMT vs SPY
iShares GSCI Commodity Dynamic Roll Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. COMT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COMT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 164 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +34.96% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.46% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.74% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.81% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
COMT vs SPY Performance
iShares GSCI Commodity Dynamic Roll Strategy ETF (COMT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year COMT returned +39.46% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, COMT is up 34.96% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, COMT compounded at +12.74% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.81% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +3.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COMT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -51.9% for COMT 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COMT charges 0.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $9 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COMT currently yields 5.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
COMT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, COMT or SPY?
COMT has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COMT or SPY?
Over the past year COMT returned +39.46% vs +21.71% for SPY, so COMT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), COMT annualized +3.80% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COMT or SPY?
COMT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: COMT -51.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both COMT and SPY?
COMT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COMT and SPY?
COMT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COMT or SPY?
COMT yields 5.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so COMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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