JCTR 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

MetricJCTRSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.09%
AUM$7M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.94%1.01%
Holdings405505
YTD Return+13.48%+13.79%
1Y Return+17.99%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+22.23%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)15.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-24.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyJ.P. Morgan Asset ManagementState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 9, 2020Jan 22, 1993

JCTR vs SPY Performance

JPMorgan Carbon Transition US Equity ETF (JCTR) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JCTR returned +17.99% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, JCTR is up 13.48% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, JCTR compounded at +22.23% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, JCTR has the edge at +14.78% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

JCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -24.8% for JCTR 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

JCTR charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JCTR currently yields 0.94% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, JCTR or SPY?

JCTR has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, JCTR or SPY?

Over the past year JCTR returned +17.99% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), JCTR annualized +14.78% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, JCTR or SPY?

JCTR has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JCTR -24.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both JCTR and SPY?

JCTR 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.

Which pays a higher dividend, JCTR or SPY?

JCTR yields 0.94% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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