ENFR vs SPY
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ENFR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ENFR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $520M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +29.25% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.64% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.54% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.58% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ENFR vs SPY Performance
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (ENFR) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ENFR returned +31.64% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, ENFR is up 29.25% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, ENFR compounded at +27.54% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +23.58% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +6.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ENFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -74.3% for ENFR 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
ENFR 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, ENFR currently yields 3.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ENFR and SPY share 4 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ENFR or SPY?
ENFR 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, ENFR or SPY?
Over the past year ENFR returned +31.64% vs +20.83% for SPY, so ENFR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ENFR annualized +6.29% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ENFR or SPY?
ENFR has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ENFR -74.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ENFR and SPY?
ENFR 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 ENFR and SPY?
ENFR and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ENFR or SPY?
ENFR yields 3.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ENFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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