CRED vs SPY
Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CRED | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.61% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.40% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.09% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.35% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 26, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CRED vs SPY Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF (CRED) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CRED returned -6.09% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, CRED is down 0.40% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, CRED compounded at +2.35% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +4.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CRED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -17.6% for CRED 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CRED charges 0.33% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $9 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CRED currently yields 4.61% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CRED and SPY share 14 holdings out of 555 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CRED or SPY?
CRED has an expense ratio of 0.33% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CRED or SPY?
Over the past year CRED returned -6.09% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CRED annualized +4.25% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CRED or SPY?
CRED has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CRED -17.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CRED and SPY?
CRED and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CRED and SPY?
CRED and SPY share 14 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CRED or SPY?
CRED yields 4.61% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CRED currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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