NIKL vs SPY
Sprott Nickel Miners 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NIKL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $51M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -16.13% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.76% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.51% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NIKL vs SPY Performance
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NIKL returned +13.76% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, NIKL is down 16.13% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, NIKL compounded at -3.51% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -3.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.4% 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 -59.0% for NIKL 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIKL charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIKL currently yields 3.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NIKL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIKL or SPY?
NIKL has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIKL or SPY?
Over the past year NIKL returned +13.76% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NIKL annualized -3.55% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIKL or SPY?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NIKL -59.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NIKL and SPY?
NIKL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIKL and SPY?
NIKL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIKL or SPY?
NIKL yields 3.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NIKL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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