GQGU vs SPY
GQG US Equity 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 | GQGU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $642M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.01% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.05% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | GQG Partners LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GQGU vs SPY Performance
GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) is a ETF from GQG Partners LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GQGU returned +7.05% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, GQGU is up 9.01% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.4% for GQGU. 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 -8.4% for GQGU 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GQGU charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GQGU currently yields 0.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GQGU and SPY share 40 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GQGU or SPY?
GQGU has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GQGU or SPY?
Over the past year GQGU returned +7.05% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), GQGU annualized +7.06% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GQGU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for GQGU. Worst drawdown: GQGU -8.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GQGU and SPY?
GQGU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GQGU and SPY?
GQGU and SPY share 40 common holdings with a 20.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GQGU or SPY?
GQGU yields 0.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.