KYN vs SPY
Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. KYN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KYN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 10.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.18% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.81% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.71% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.01% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.38% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -95.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2004 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KYN vs SPY Performance
Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (KYN) is a ETF from Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KYN returned +28.71% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, KYN is up 23.81% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, KYN compounded at +29.01% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +23.38% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -0.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KYN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.2% 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 -95.1% for KYN 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KYN charges 10.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $1000 vs $9 annually, a gap of $991 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KYN currently yields 6.18% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KYN and SPY share 8 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KYN or SPY?
KYN has an expense ratio of 10.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $991 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KYN or SPY?
Over the past year KYN returned +28.71% vs +22.52% for SPY, so KYN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), KYN annualized -0.26% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KYN or SPY?
KYN has been the more volatile fund at 30.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KYN -95.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KYN and SPY?
KYN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KYN and SPY?
KYN and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KYN or SPY?
KYN yields 6.18% while SPY yields 1.01%, so KYN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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