HCOM vs SPY

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHCOMSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.59%0.09%
AUM$9M$789.1B
Dividend Yield10.95%1.01%
Holdings55505
YTD Return+0.71%+13.79%
1Y Return-4.90%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-6.95%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)14.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-28.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyHartford FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionSep 14, 2021Jan 22, 1993

HCOM vs SPY Performance

Hartford Schroders Commodity Strategy ETF (HCOM) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HCOM returned -4.90% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, HCOM is up 0.71% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, HCOM compounded at -6.95% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.7% for HCOM. 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 -28.8% for HCOM 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HCOM charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HCOM currently yields 10.95% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HCOM or SPY?

HCOM has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HCOM or SPY?

Over the past year HCOM returned -4.90% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), HCOM annualized +0.68% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HCOM or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for HCOM. Worst drawdown: HCOM -28.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both HCOM and SPY?

HCOM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, HCOM or SPY?

HCOM yields 10.95% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HCOM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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