CUT vs SPY
Invesco MSCI Global Timber 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 | CUT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $33M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.34% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.58% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.27% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.95% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 9, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CUT vs SPY Performance
Invesco MSCI Global Timber ETF (CUT) 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 CUT returned +1.58% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, CUT is up 3.34% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, CUT compounded at +2.27% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.95% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +3.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CUT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -70.0% for CUT 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CUT charges 0.76% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $9 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CUT currently yields 2.39% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CUT and SPY share 5 holdings out of 551 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CUT or SPY?
CUT has an expense ratio of 0.76% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CUT or SPY?
Over the past year CUT returned +1.58% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), CUT annualized +3.07% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CUT or SPY?
CUT has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CUT -70.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CUT and SPY?
CUT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CUT and SPY?
CUT and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 551 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CUT or SPY?
CUT yields 2.39% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CUT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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