RGEF vs SPY
Rockefeller Global Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RGEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RGEF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $838M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.92% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.99% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Rockefeller Capital Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RGEF vs SPY Performance
Rockefeller Global Equity ETF (RGEF) is a ETF from Rockefeller Capital Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RGEF returned +23.99% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, RGEF is up 13.92% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.8% for RGEF. 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 -16.0% for RGEF 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RGEF charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RGEF currently yields 0.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RGEF and SPY share 29 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RGEF or SPY?
RGEF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RGEF or SPY?
Over the past year RGEF returned +23.99% vs +20.83% for SPY, so RGEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RGEF annualized +21.23% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RGEF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.8% for RGEF. Worst drawdown: RGEF -16.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RGEF and SPY?
RGEF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 RGEF and SPY?
RGEF and SPY share 29 common holdings with a 28.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RGEF or SPY?
RGEF yields 0.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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