GGRW vs SPY
Gabelli Growth Innovators ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
GGRW has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GGRW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.09% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.28% | +20.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.58% | +21.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.15% | +12.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 16, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GGRW vs SPY Performance
Gabelli Growth Innovators ETF (GGRW) 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 GGRW returned +10.28% while SPY returned +20.53%. Year to date, GGRW is up 6.09% versus a gain of 12.71% for SPY.
Over three years, GGRW compounded at +25.58% per year against +21.60% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.15% and +12.79% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.80% annualized vs +7.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GGRW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -50.3% for GGRW 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
GGRW 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, GGRW currently yields 0.41% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GGRW and SPY share 39 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GGRW or SPY?
GGRW has an expense ratio of 0.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. GGRW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GGRW or SPY?
Over the past year GGRW returned +10.28% vs +20.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), GGRW annualized +7.56% vs +8.80% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GGRW or SPY?
GGRW has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GGRW -50.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GGRW and SPY?
GGRW 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 GGRW and SPY?
GGRW and SPY share 39 common holdings with a 39.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GGRW or SPY?
GGRW yields 0.41% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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