GLTR vs SPY
abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GLTR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLTR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -4.06% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.29% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.01% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.93% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GLTR vs SPY Performance
abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) is a ETF from Aberdeen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GLTR returned +41.29% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, GLTR is down 4.06% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, GLTR compounded at +32.01% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +16.93% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -55.7% for GLTR 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLTR charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLTR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLTR or SPY?
GLTR has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLTR or SPY?
Over the past year GLTR returned +41.29% vs +22.91% for SPY, so GLTR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GLTR annualized +6.33% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLTR or SPY?
GLTR has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GLTR -55.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GLTR and SPY?
GLTR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLTR or SPY?
GLTR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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