CTEX vs SPY
Proshares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CTEX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTEX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -7.03% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.01% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.83% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CTEX vs SPY Performance
Proshares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) 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 CTEX returned +48.01% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, CTEX is down 7.03% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, CTEX compounded at +6.83% per year against +21.67% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -2.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTEX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.1% 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 -70.3% for CTEX 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
CTEX charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTEX currently yields 1.67% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CTEX and SPY share 5 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTEX or SPY?
CTEX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CTEX or SPY?
Over the past year CTEX returned +48.01% vs +22.91% for SPY, so CTEX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CTEX annualized -2.57% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CTEX or SPY?
CTEX has been the more volatile fund at 42.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CTEX -70.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CTEX and SPY?
CTEX 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 CTEX and SPY?
CTEX and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTEX or SPY?
CTEX yields 1.67% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CTEX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.