NORW vs SPY
Global X MSCI Norway ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NORW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NORW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $89M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.21% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +28.64% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.09% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.18% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.90% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 9, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NORW vs SPY Performance
Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NORW returned +36.09% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, NORW is up 28.64% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, NORW compounded at +22.18% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.90% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +7.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NORW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -42.6% for NORW 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NORW charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NORW currently yields 7.21% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NORW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 564 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, NORW or SPY?
NORW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NORW or SPY?
Over the past year NORW returned +36.09% vs +20.83% for SPY, so NORW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), NORW annualized +7.12% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NORW or SPY?
NORW has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NORW -42.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NORW and SPY?
NORW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NORW and SPY?
NORW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NORW or SPY?
NORW yields 7.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NORW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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