GNR vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GNR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GNR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 112 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.61% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.78% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GNR vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GNR returned +42.78% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GNR is up 24.61% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GNR compounded at +16.44% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.34% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GNR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -60.6% for GNR 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GNR charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GNR currently yields 2.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GNR and SPY share 28 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GNR or SPY?
GNR has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GNR or SPY?
Over the past year GNR returned +42.78% vs +20.83% for SPY, so GNR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GNR annualized +4.06% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GNR or SPY?
GNR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GNR -60.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GNR and SPY?
GNR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GNR and SPY?
GNR and SPY share 28 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GNR or SPY?
GNR yields 2.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GNR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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