GOLY vs SPY
Strategy Shares Gold Enhanced Yield ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOLY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $88M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.33% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -19.69% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.94% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.69% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.68% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | STRATEGY SHARES | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GOLY vs SPY Performance
Strategy Shares Gold Enhanced Yield ETF (GOLY) is a ETF from STRATEGY SHARES and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GOLY returned -0.94% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GOLY is down 19.69% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GOLY compounded at +19.69% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.68% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +1.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOLY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.0% 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 -45.0% for GOLY 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOLY charges 0.90% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $9 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOLY currently yields 9.33% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GOLY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 511 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, GOLY or SPY?
GOLY has an expense ratio of 0.90% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOLY or SPY?
Over the past year GOLY returned -0.94% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GOLY annualized +1.92% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOLY or SPY?
GOLY has been the more volatile fund at 24.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GOLY -45.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GOLY and SPY?
GOLY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOLY and SPY?
GOLY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOLY or SPY?
GOLY yields 9.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GOLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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