RNRG vs SPY
Global X Renewable Energy Producers 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 | RNRG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $26M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.71% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.74% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.53% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.35% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 27, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RNRG vs SPY Performance
Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF (RNRG) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RNRG returned +17.53% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, RNRG is up 2.74% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, RNRG compounded at +3.51% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -5.35% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -1.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RNRG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -58.8% for RNRG 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RNRG charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RNRG currently yields 1.71% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RNRG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RNRG or SPY?
RNRG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RNRG or SPY?
Over the past year RNRG returned +17.53% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), RNRG annualized -1.91% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RNRG or SPY?
RNRG has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RNRG -58.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RNRG and SPY?
RNRG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RNRG and SPY?
RNRG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RNRG or SPY?
RNRG yields 1.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RNRG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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