GAST vs SPY
Gabelli Automation ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
GAST has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAST | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.90% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.10% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GAST vs SPY Performance
Gabelli Automation ETF (GAST) 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 GAST returned +13.10% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GAST is up 19.90% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GAST compounded at +15.26% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +7.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GAST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -23.6% for GAST 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAST charges 0.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAST currently yields 0.63% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GAST and SPY share 16 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAST or SPY?
GAST has an expense ratio of 0.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. GAST is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAST or SPY?
Over the past year GAST returned +13.10% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GAST annualized +7.34% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAST or SPY?
GAST has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GAST -23.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GAST and SPY?
GAST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAST and SPY?
GAST and SPY share 16 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAST or SPY?
GAST yields 0.63% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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