GRW vs SPY
TCW Durable 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 | GRW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $67M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.04% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.78% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | TCW ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GRW vs SPY Performance
TCW Durable Growth ETF (GRW) is a ETF from TCW ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GRW returned -0.78% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, GRW is up 3.04% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GRW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -31.5% for GRW 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRW charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRW currently yields 0.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GRW and SPY share 21 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRW or SPY?
GRW has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRW or SPY?
Over the past year GRW returned -0.78% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GRW annualized -0.22% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRW or SPY?
GRW has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GRW -31.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GRW and SPY?
GRW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRW and SPY?
GRW and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 17.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRW or SPY?
GRW yields 0.26% 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.