RTH vs SPY
VanEck Retail 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 | RTH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $250M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.09% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.89% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.38% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RTH vs SPY Performance
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, RTH is up 8.09% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, RTH compounded at +15.38% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, RTH has the edge at +9.84% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -42.4% for RTH 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RTH charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RTH currently yields 0.95% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RTH and SPY share 24 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RTH or SPY?
RTH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RTH or SPY?
Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), RTH annualized +9.84% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RTH or SPY?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RTH -42.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RTH and SPY?
RTH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RTH and SPY?
RTH and SPY share 24 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RTH or SPY?
RTH yields 0.95% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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