GSIG vs SPY
Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate 1-5 Year Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
GSIG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSIG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.17% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.06% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GSIG vs SPY Performance
Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate 1-5 Year Bond ETF (GSIG) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GSIG returned +4.17% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, GSIG is up 0.30% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, GSIG compounded at +5.16% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.06% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +1.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.1% for GSIG. 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 -9.6% for GSIG 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSIG charges 0.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSIG currently yields 4.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GSIG and SPY share 3 holdings out of 954 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSIG or SPY?
GSIG has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. GSIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSIG or SPY?
Over the past year GSIG returned +4.17% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), GSIG annualized +1.91% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSIG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.1% for GSIG. Worst drawdown: GSIG -9.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GSIG and SPY?
GSIG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSIG and SPY?
GSIG and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 954 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSIG or SPY?
GSIG yields 4.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GSIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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