HAP vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. HAP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: HAPMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHAPSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.41%0.09%
AUM$294M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.99%1.01%
Holdings146505
YTD Return+19.04%+13.79%
1Y Return+40.52%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.42%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.17%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)20.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-50.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyVanEckState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionAug 29, 2008Jan 22, 1993

HAP vs SPY Performance

VanEck Natural Resources ETF (HAP) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HAP returned +40.52% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, HAP is up 19.04% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, HAP compounded at +15.42% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.17% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

HAP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -50.7% for HAP 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HAP charges 0.41% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $9 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HAP currently yields 1.99% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

3.8%overlap

HAP and SPY share 29 holdings out of 594 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HAPWeight in SPYDifference
XOM5.05%0.87%4.18%
DE5.29%0.25%5.04%
CVX4.97%0.49%4.48%
NEEProProPro
CTVAProProPro
ADMProProPro
COPProProPro
CFProProPro
TSNProProPro
BGProProPro
See all 10 holdings HAP shares with SPY
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HAP or SPY?

HAP has an expense ratio of 0.41% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HAP or SPY?

Over the past year HAP returned +40.52% vs +23.66% for SPY, so HAP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), HAP annualized +6.00% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HAP or SPY?

HAP has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HAP -50.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both HAP and SPY?

HAP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HAP and SPY?

HAP and SPY share 29 common holdings with a 3.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 594 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HAP or SPY?

HAP yields 1.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HAP currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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