GABF vs SPY
Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GABF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $52M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.06% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.82% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.77% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.57% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 10, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GABF vs SPY Performance
Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GABF returned -1.77% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, GABF is up 0.82% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, GABF compounded at +20.57% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, GABF has the edge at +19.24% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GABF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -20.9% for GABF 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GABF charges 1.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $9 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GABF currently yields 2.06% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GABF and SPY share 23 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GABF or SPY?
GABF has an expense ratio of 1.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GABF or SPY?
Over the past year GABF returned -1.77% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GABF annualized +19.24% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GABF or SPY?
GABF has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GABF -20.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GABF and SPY?
GABF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GABF and SPY?
GABF and SPY share 23 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GABF or SPY?
GABF yields 2.06% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GABF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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