HYDR vs SPY

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: HYDRMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHYDRSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$84M$789.1B
Dividend Yield2.48%1.01%
Holdings28505
YTD Return+36.78%+13.68%
1Y Return+96.99%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)+2.60%+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-15.84%+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)59.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-89.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 12, 2021Jan 22, 1993

HYDR vs SPY Performance

Global X Hydrogen ETF (HYDR) 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 HYDR returned +96.99% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, HYDR is up 36.78% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Over three years, HYDR compounded at +2.60% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -15.84% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -16.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

HYDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 59.1% 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 -89.3% for HYDR 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HYDR 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, HYDR currently yields 2.48% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

HYDR and SPY share 3 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HYDRWeight in SPYDifference
CMI2.57%0.14%2.43%
APD2.48%0.11%2.37%
O0.40%0.09%0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HYDR or SPY?

HYDR 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, HYDR or SPY?

Over the past year HYDR returned +96.99% vs +21.53% for SPY, so HYDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HYDR annualized -16.12% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HYDR or SPY?

HYDR has been the more volatile fund at 59.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HYDR -89.3% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both HYDR and SPY?

HYDR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HYDR and SPY?

HYDR and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HYDR or SPY?

HYDR yields 2.48% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HYDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.