GSSC vs SPY
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GSSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSSC offers more diversification with 1,422 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSSC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,422 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.08% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.46% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.94% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GSSC vs SPY Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) 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 GSSC returned +28.49% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GSSC is up 20.08% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GSSC compounded at +17.46% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.94% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GSSC has the edge at +10.06% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -42.5% for GSSC 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSSC charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSSC currently yields 1.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GSSC and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1733 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GSSC | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AOS | 0.03% | 0.01% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSSC or SPY?
GSSC has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSSC or SPY?
Over the past year GSSC returned +28.49% vs +20.83% for SPY, so GSSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSSC annualized +10.06% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSSC or SPY?
GSSC has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GSSC -42.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GSSC and SPY?
GSSC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSSC and SPY?
GSSC and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1733 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSSC or SPY?
GSSC yields 1.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GSSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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