GENZ vs SPY
VanEck Digital Native Economy 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 | GENZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $17M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -3.20% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.90% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.41% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.56% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GENZ vs SPY Performance
VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GENZ returned -9.90% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GENZ is down 3.20% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GENZ compounded at +0.41% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.56% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +2.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GENZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -71.1% for GENZ 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GENZ charges 0.51% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $9 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GENZ currently yields 3.54% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GENZ and SPY share 15 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GENZ or SPY?
GENZ has an expense ratio of 0.51% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GENZ or SPY?
Over the past year GENZ returned -9.90% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GENZ annualized +2.19% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GENZ or SPY?
GENZ has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GENZ -71.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GENZ and SPY?
GENZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GENZ and SPY?
GENZ and SPY share 15 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GENZ or SPY?
GENZ yields 3.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GENZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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