GLU vs SPY
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $145M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 272 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.97% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.64% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.72% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2004 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GLU vs SPY Performance
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (GLU) 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 GLU returned +13.97% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, GLU is up 1.53% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, GLU compounded at +18.64% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.72% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -64.9% for GLU 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLU charges 1.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $9 annually, a gap of $131 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLU currently yields 6.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GLU and SPY share 57 holdings out of 703 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLU or SPY?
GLU has an expense ratio of 1.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $131 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLU or SPY?
Over the past year GLU returned +13.97% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), GLU annualized +1.55% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLU or SPY?
GLU has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GLU -64.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GLU and SPY?
GLU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GLU and SPY?
GLU and SPY share 57 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 703 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLU or SPY?
GLU yields 6.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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