GSUS vs SPY
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
GSUS has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSUS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 414 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.86% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.16% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.53% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.69% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GSUS vs SPY Performance
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US Equity ETF (GSUS) 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 GSUS returned +20.16% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, GSUS is up 12.86% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, GSUS compounded at +21.53% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.69% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, GSUS has the edge at +18.78% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -25.6% for GSUS 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSUS charges 0.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSUS currently yields 0.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GSUS and SPY share 378 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 93.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSUS or SPY?
GSUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. GSUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSUS or SPY?
Over the past year GSUS returned +20.16% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), GSUS annualized +18.78% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSUS or SPY?
GSUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GSUS -25.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GSUS and SPY?
GSUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 GSUS and SPY?
GSUS and SPY share 378 common holdings with a 93.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSUS or SPY?
GSUS yields 0.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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