QGRO vs SPY
American Century US Quality Growth 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 | QGRO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.19% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 188 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.03% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.95% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.36% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.19% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QGRO vs SPY Performance
American Century US Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) is a ETF from American Century Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QGRO returned +7.95% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, QGRO is up 3.03% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, QGRO compounded at +20.36% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.19% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QGRO has the edge at +14.75% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -32.6% for QGRO 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRO charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QGRO currently yields 0.19% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QGRO and SPY share 117 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QGRO or SPY?
QGRO has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QGRO or SPY?
Over the past year QGRO returned +7.95% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QGRO annualized +14.75% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QGRO or SPY?
QGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QGRO -32.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QGRO and SPY?
QGRO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QGRO and SPY?
QGRO and SPY share 117 common holdings with a 31.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QGRO or SPY?
QGRO yields 0.19% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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