CZAR vs SPY
Themes Natural Monopoly 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 | CZAR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.42% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 218 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.77% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.52% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CZAR vs SPY Performance
Themes Natural Monopoly ETF (CZAR) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CZAR returned +4.52% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, CZAR is up 3.77% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.6% for CZAR. 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 -13.4% for CZAR 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CZAR 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, CZAR currently yields 1.42% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CZAR and SPY share 43 holdings out of 555 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CZAR or SPY?
CZAR 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, CZAR or SPY?
Over the past year CZAR returned +4.52% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CZAR annualized +11.86% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CZAR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.6% for CZAR. Worst drawdown: CZAR -13.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CZAR and SPY?
CZAR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CZAR and SPY?
CZAR and SPY share 43 common holdings with a 15.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CZAR or SPY?
CZAR yields 1.42% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CZAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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