RA vs SPY
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. RA offers more diversification with 598 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.36% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $769M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.16% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 598 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.02% | +12.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.17% | +20.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.69% | +20.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.09% | +12.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 2, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RA vs SPY Performance
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. (RA) is a ETF from Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RA returned +3.17% while SPY returned +20.30%. Year to date, RA is up 4.02% versus a gain of 12.10% for SPY.
Over three years, RA compounded at +10.69% per year against +20.82% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.09% and +12.53% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +0.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -54.9% for RA 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RA charges 2.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $236 vs $9 annually, a gap of $227 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RA currently yields 10.16% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RA and SPY share 33 holdings out of 737 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RA or SPY?
RA has an expense ratio of 2.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $227 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RA or SPY?
Over the past year RA returned +3.17% vs +20.30% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RA annualized +0.63% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RA or SPY?
RA has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RA -54.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RA and SPY?
RA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RA and SPY?
RA and SPY share 33 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 737 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RA or SPY?
RA yields 10.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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