SGDM vs SPY
Sprott Gold Miners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SGDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGDM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $653M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.18% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.02% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +70.75% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +53.80% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.84% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SGDM vs SPY Performance
Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) 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 SGDM returned +70.75% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SGDM is up 20.02% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SGDM compounded at +53.80% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +27.84% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SGDM has the edge at +11.54% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.5% 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 -55.0% for SGDM 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGDM charges 0.46% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $9 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGDM currently yields 1.18% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SGDM and SPY share 1 holdings out of 552 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 SGDM | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEM | 7.18% | 0.16% | 7.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGDM or SPY?
SGDM has an expense ratio of 0.46% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGDM or SPY?
Over the past year SGDM returned +70.75% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SGDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SGDM annualized +11.54% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGDM or SPY?
SGDM has been the more volatile fund at 38.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SGDM -55.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SGDM and SPY?
SGDM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGDM and SPY?
SGDM and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGDM or SPY?
SGDM yields 1.18% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SGDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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