CSRE vs SPY
Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSRE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $574M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.93% | +12.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.82% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CSRE vs SPY Performance
Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CSRE returned +12.82% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, CSRE is up 11.93% versus a gain of 12.60% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.4% for CSRE. 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 -13.0% for CSRE 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSRE charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSRE currently yields 2.14% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CSRE and SPY share 14 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSRE or SPY?
CSRE has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSRE or SPY?
Over the past year CSRE returned +12.82% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CSRE annualized +9.81% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSRE or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for CSRE. Worst drawdown: CSRE -13.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CSRE and SPY?
CSRE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CSRE and SPY?
CSRE and SPY share 14 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSRE or SPY?
CSRE yields 2.14% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CSRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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