GLOF vs SPY
iShares Global Equity Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GLOF delivered stronger 1-year returns. GLOF offers more diversification with 708 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLOF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $225M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 708 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.30% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.07% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.02% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GLOF vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Equity Factor ETF (GLOF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GLOF returned +24.30% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, GLOF is up 16.64% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, GLOF compounded at +23.07% per year against +21.83% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.02% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GLOF has the edge at +9.31% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.0% for GLOF. 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 -36.7% for GLOF 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLOF charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLOF currently yields 1.58% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GLOF and SPY share 190 holdings out of 946 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLOF or SPY?
GLOF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLOF or SPY?
Over the past year GLOF returned +24.30% vs +20.57% for SPY, so GLOF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GLOF annualized +9.31% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLOF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for GLOF. Worst drawdown: GLOF -36.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GLOF and SPY?
GLOF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 GLOF and SPY?
GLOF and SPY share 190 common holdings with a 46.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 946 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLOF or SPY?
GLOF yields 1.58% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GLOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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