GARA vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGARASPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.09%
AUM$419,914.65$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.57%1.01%
Holdings35505
YTD Return+10.61%+14.47%
1Y Return-+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-7.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGuinness Atkinson FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 22, 2025Jan 22, 1993

GARA vs SPY Performance

Guinness Atkinson Real Assets Income ETF (GARA) is a ETF from Guinness Atkinson Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, GARA is up 10.61% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -7.9% for GARA and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GARA charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GARA currently yields 1.57% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

1.3%overlap

GARA and SPY share 12 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in GARAWeight in SPYDifference
VTR3.10%0.07%3.03%
PLD2.96%0.20%2.76%
UNP2.80%0.26%2.54%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GARA or SPY?

GARA has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between GARA and SPY?

GARA and SPY share 12 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GARA or SPY?

GARA yields 1.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GARA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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