CSM vs SPY
ProShares Large Cap Core Plus vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $509M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 308 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.60% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.42% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.12% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.79% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CSM vs SPY Performance
ProShares Large Cap Core Plus (CSM) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CSM returned +23.42% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, CSM is up 11.60% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, CSM compounded at +21.12% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.79% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, CSM has the edge at +14.95% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.0% for CSM. 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 -36.1% for CSM 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSM charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSM currently yields 1.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CSM and SPY share 284 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSM or SPY?
CSM has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSM or SPY?
Over the past year CSM returned +23.42% vs +22.52% for SPY, so CSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), CSM annualized +14.95% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for CSM. Worst drawdown: CSM -36.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CSM and SPY?
CSM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CSM and SPY?
CSM and SPY share 284 common holdings with a 53.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSM or SPY?
CSM yields 1.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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