SGDJ vs SPY
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SGDJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGDJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $341M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.55% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.07% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +103.88% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +65.14% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.91% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SGDJ vs SPY Performance
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SGDJ returned +103.88% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, SGDJ is up 21.07% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SGDJ compounded at +65.14% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +25.91% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SGDJ has the edge at +16.46% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.2% 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 -59.3% for SGDJ 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGDJ charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGDJ currently yields 9.55% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SGDJ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 534 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, SGDJ or SPY?
SGDJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGDJ or SPY?
Over the past year SGDJ returned +103.88% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SGDJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SGDJ annualized +16.46% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGDJ or SPY?
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SGDJ -59.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SGDJ and SPY?
SGDJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGDJ and SPY?
SGDJ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGDJ or SPY?
SGDJ yields 9.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SGDJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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