CRAK vs SPY
VanEck Oil Refiners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CRAK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CRAK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $183M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +55.67% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +78.27% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.61% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.23% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CRAK vs SPY Performance
VanEck Oil Refiners ETF (CRAK) 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 CRAK returned +78.27% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, CRAK is up 55.67% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, CRAK compounded at +23.61% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.23% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, CRAK has the edge at +12.84% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CRAK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.8% 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 -58.8% for CRAK 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CRAK charges 0.61% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $9 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CRAK currently yields 1.41% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CRAK and SPY share 3 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CRAK or SPY?
CRAK has an expense ratio of 0.61% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CRAK or SPY?
Over the past year CRAK returned +78.27% vs +21.71% for SPY, so CRAK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CRAK annualized +12.84% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CRAK or SPY?
CRAK has been the more volatile fund at 23.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CRAK -58.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CRAK and SPY?
CRAK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CRAK and SPY?
CRAK and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CRAK or SPY?
CRAK yields 1.41% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CRAK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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