NXG vs SPY
NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NXG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NXG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $482M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.73% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.30% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.59% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.57% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | The Cushing Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NXG vs SPY Performance
NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (NXG) is a ETF from The Cushing Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NXG returned +37.30% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, NXG is up 18.73% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, NXG compounded at +35.59% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +17.57% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +0.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NXG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.3% 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 -86.5% for NXG 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NXG charges 3.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $315 vs $9 annually, a gap of $306 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NXG currently yields 11.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NXG and SPY share 20 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NXG or SPY?
NXG has an expense ratio of 3.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $306 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NXG or SPY?
Over the past year NXG returned +37.30% vs +21.82% for SPY, so NXG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), NXG annualized +0.13% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NXG or SPY?
NXG has been the more volatile fund at 29.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NXG -86.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NXG and SPY?
NXG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NXG and SPY?
NXG and SPY share 20 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NXG or SPY?
NXG yields 11.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NXG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.