GLIN vs SPY
VanEck India Growth Leaders 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 | GLIN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $96M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 84 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.43% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.77% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.50% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.23% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GLIN vs SPY Performance
VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF (GLIN) 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 GLIN returned +3.77% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, GLIN is down 1.43% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, GLIN compounded at +8.50% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.23% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -2.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLIN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.5% 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 -79.4% for GLIN 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLIN charges 0.72% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $9 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLIN currently yields 0.84% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GLIN and SPY share 0 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLIN or SPY?
GLIN has an expense ratio of 0.72% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLIN or SPY?
Over the past year GLIN returned +3.77% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GLIN annualized -2.46% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLIN or SPY?
GLIN has been the more volatile fund at 29.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GLIN -79.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GLIN and SPY?
GLIN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GLIN and SPY?
GLIN and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLIN or SPY?
GLIN yields 0.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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