GROZ vs SPY
Zacks Focus Growth 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 | GROZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $113M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.04% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.45% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.53% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Zacks | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GROZ vs SPY Performance
Zacks Focus Growth ETF (GROZ) is a ETF from Zacks and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GROZ returned +19.53% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GROZ is up 8.45% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GROZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -23.3% for GROZ 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GROZ charges 0.56% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $9 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GROZ currently yields 0.04% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GROZ and SPY share 26 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GROZ or SPY?
GROZ has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GROZ or SPY?
Over the past year GROZ returned +19.53% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GROZ annualized +16.21% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GROZ or SPY?
GROZ has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GROZ -23.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GROZ and SPY?
GROZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GROZ and SPY?
GROZ and SPY share 26 common holdings with a 38.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GROZ or SPY?
GROZ yields 0.04% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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