GFGF vs SPY
Guru Favorite Stocks 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 | GFGF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $33M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.21% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.38% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.97% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.15% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | GuruFocus Investments, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GFGF vs SPY Performance
Guru Favorite Stocks ETF (GFGF) is a ETF from GuruFocus Investments, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GFGF returned +10.97% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GFGF is up 3.38% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GFGF compounded at +18.15% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GFGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -28.0% for GFGF 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GFGF charges 0.66% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $9 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GFGF currently yields 0.21% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GFGF and SPY share 25 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GFGF or SPY?
GFGF has an expense ratio of 0.66% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GFGF or SPY?
Over the past year GFGF returned +10.97% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GFGF annualized +8.78% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GFGF or SPY?
GFGF has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GFGF -28.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GFGF and SPY?
GFGF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GFGF and SPY?
GFGF and SPY share 25 common holdings with a 31.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GFGF or SPY?
GFGF yields 0.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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