NJNK vs SPY
Columbia US High Yield 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 | NJNK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $40M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 462 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.39% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NJNK vs SPY Performance
Columbia US High Yield ETF (NJNK) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NJNK returned +5.72% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, NJNK is up 2.39% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.1% for NJNK. 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 -4.5% for NJNK 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NJNK charges 0.46% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $9 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NJNK currently yields 6.44% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NJNK and SPY share 0 holdings out of 849 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, NJNK or SPY?
NJNK has an expense ratio of 0.46% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NJNK or SPY?
Over the past year NJNK returned +5.72% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NJNK annualized +5.86% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NJNK or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.1% for NJNK. Worst drawdown: NJNK -4.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NJNK and SPY?
NJNK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NJNK and SPY?
NJNK and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 849 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NJNK or SPY?
NJNK yields 6.44% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NJNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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