RING vs SPY
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RING delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RING | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.98% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.39% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +52.92% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RING vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RING returned +57.39% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, RING is up 4.98% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, RING compounded at +52.92% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +25.47% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +3.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RING has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.9% 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 -80.2% for RING 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RING charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RING currently yields 1.40% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RING and SPY share 1 holdings out of 545 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RING | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEM | 16.51% | 0.16% | 16.35% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RING or SPY?
RING has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RING or SPY?
Over the past year RING returned +57.39% vs +21.96% for SPY, so RING leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RING annualized +3.53% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RING or SPY?
RING has been the more volatile fund at 37.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RING -80.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RING and SPY?
RING and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RING and SPY?
RING and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RING or SPY?
RING yields 1.40% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RING currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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