GUSA vs SPY
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US 1000 Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUSA offers more diversification with 1,009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUSA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.41% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.58% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.74% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GUSA vs SPY Performance
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) 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 GUSA returned +21.58% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, GUSA is up 14.41% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, GUSA compounded at +21.74% per year against +22.10% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, GUSA has the edge at +15.08% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -19.6% for GUSA 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
GUSA charges 0.10% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUSA currently yields 0.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GUSA and SPY share 481 holdings out of 918 unique holdings combined, representing a 90.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUSA or SPY?
GUSA has an expense ratio of 0.10% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUSA or SPY?
Over the past year GUSA returned +21.58% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GUSA annualized +15.08% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUSA or SPY?
GUSA has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GUSA -19.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GUSA and SPY?
GUSA 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 GUSA and SPY?
GUSA and SPY share 481 common holdings with a 90.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 918 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUSA or SPY?
GUSA yields 0.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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