GMOM vs SPY
Cambria Global Momentum ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GMOM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GMOM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $73M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.05% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.20% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.79% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GMOM vs SPY Performance
Cambria Global Momentum ETF (GMOM) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GMOM returned +24.20% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, GMOM is up 13.05% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, GMOM compounded at +14.24% per year against +21.83% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.79% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +6.00%. 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 9.7% for GMOM. 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 -25.0% for GMOM 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
GMOM charges 1.01% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $9 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GMOM currently yields 1.48% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GMOM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 518 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, GMOM or SPY?
GMOM has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GMOM or SPY?
Over the past year GMOM returned +24.20% vs +20.57% for SPY, so GMOM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), GMOM annualized +6.00% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GMOM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.7% for GMOM. Worst drawdown: GMOM -25.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GMOM and SPY?
GMOM 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 GMOM and SPY?
GMOM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GMOM or SPY?
GMOM yields 1.48% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GMOM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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