JGRO vs SPY
JPMorgan Active Growth 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 | JGRO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $10.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.16% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.86% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.97% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.04% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 8, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JGRO vs SPY Performance
JPMorgan Active Growth ETF (JGRO) 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 JGRO returned +6.97% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, JGRO is up 1.86% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, JGRO compounded at +20.04% per year against +22.06% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, JGRO has the edge at +17.59% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -22.7% for JGRO 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JGRO charges 0.44% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $9 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JGRO currently yields 0.16% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JGRO and SPY share 88 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 47.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JGRO or SPY?
JGRO has an expense ratio of 0.44% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JGRO or SPY?
Over the past year JGRO returned +6.97% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), JGRO annualized +17.59% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JGRO or SPY?
JGRO has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JGRO -22.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JGRO and SPY?
JGRO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between JGRO and SPY?
JGRO and SPY share 88 common holdings with a 47.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JGRO or SPY?
JGRO yields 0.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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