HERO vs SPY
Global X Video Games & Esports ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HERO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $67M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -8.14% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | -15.37% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.25% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.08% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HERO vs SPY Performance
Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) 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 HERO returned -15.37% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, HERO is down 8.14% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, HERO compounded at +14.25% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.08% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HERO has the edge at +10.10% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -54.0% for HERO 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERO charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HERO currently yields 1.75% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HERO and SPY share 1 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HERO | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TTWO | 7.79% | 0.06% | 7.73% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HERO or SPY?
HERO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERO or SPY?
Over the past year HERO returned -15.37% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HERO annualized +10.10% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERO or SPY?
HERO has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HERO -54.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HERO and SPY?
HERO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HERO and SPY?
HERO and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HERO or SPY?
HERO yields 1.75% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HERO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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