CSTK vs SPY
Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CSTK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSTK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $175M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.16% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.26% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.64% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CSTK vs SPY Performance
Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CSTK returned +23.64% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, CSTK is up 16.26% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.8% for CSTK. 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 -9.3% for CSTK 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSTK charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSTK currently yields 2.16% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CSTK and SPY share 51 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSTK or SPY?
CSTK has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSTK or SPY?
Over the past year CSTK returned +23.64% vs +21.53% for SPY, so CSTK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CSTK annualized +28.62% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSTK or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for CSTK. Worst drawdown: CSTK -9.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CSTK and SPY?
CSTK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CSTK and SPY?
CSTK and SPY share 51 common holdings with a 20.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSTK or SPY?
CSTK yields 2.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CSTK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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