RGLO vs SPY
Russell Investments Global Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RGLO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RGLO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 384 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.91% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.91% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RGLO vs SPY Performance
Russell Investments Global Equity ETF (RGLO) is a ETF from Russell Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RGLO returned +23.91% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, RGLO is up 12.91% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.2% for RGLO. 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 -9.6% for RGLO 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RGLO charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RGLO currently yields 0.57% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RGLO and SPY share 93 holdings out of 752 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RGLO or SPY?
RGLO has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RGLO or SPY?
Over the past year RGLO returned +23.91% vs +21.82% for SPY, so RGLO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RGLO annualized +26.00% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RGLO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.2% for RGLO. Worst drawdown: RGLO -9.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RGLO and SPY?
RGLO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 RGLO and SPY?
RGLO and SPY share 93 common holdings with a 39.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 752 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RGLO or SPY?
RGLO yields 0.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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