GURU vs SPY
Global X Guru Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GURU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GURU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $61M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.07% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.37% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.07% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.65% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GURU vs SPY Performance
Global X Guru Index ETF (GURU) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GURU returned +24.37% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, GURU is up 13.07% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, GURU compounded at +23.07% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.65% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, GURU has the edge at +12.47% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GURU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -38.5% for GURU 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GURU 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, GURU currently yields 0.08% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GURU and SPY share 34 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GURU or SPY?
GURU 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, GURU or SPY?
Over the past year GURU returned +24.37% vs +21.96% for SPY, so GURU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GURU annualized +12.47% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GURU or SPY?
GURU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GURU -38.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GURU and SPY?
GURU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 GURU and SPY?
GURU and SPY share 34 common holdings with a 12.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GURU or SPY?
GURU yields 0.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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