JRS vs SPY
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JRS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.40% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.12% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.92% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.84% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JRS vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund (JRS) is a ETF from Nuveen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JRS returned +19.92% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, JRS is up 16.12% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, JRS compounded at +15.70% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.84% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs -0.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JRS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.2% 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 -90.7% for JRS 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.
Holdings Overlap
JRS and SPY share 25 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, JRS or SPY?
Over the past year JRS returned +19.92% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), JRS annualized -0.52% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JRS or SPY?
JRS has been the more volatile fund at 28.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JRS -90.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JRS and SPY?
JRS 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 JRS and SPY?
JRS and SPY share 25 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JRS or SPY?
JRS yields 7.40% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JRS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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