RIFR vs SPY
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure 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 | RIFR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $44M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.89% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.15% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RIFR vs SPY Performance
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) 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 RIFR returned +12.15% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, RIFR is up 10.89% 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 10.9% for RIFR. 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 -6.8% for RIFR 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIFR charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIFR currently yields 0.87% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RIFR and SPY share 17 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RIFR or SPY?
RIFR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RIFR or SPY?
Over the past year RIFR returned +12.15% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RIFR annualized +15.04% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RIFR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.9% for RIFR. Worst drawdown: RIFR -6.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RIFR and SPY?
RIFR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RIFR and SPY?
RIFR and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIFR or SPY?
RIFR yields 0.87% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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