SMOG vs SPY
VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SMOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMOG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $125M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.48% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.68% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.12% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.08% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMOG vs SPY Performance
VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) 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 SMOG returned +23.68% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, SMOG is up 6.48% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, SMOG compounded at +8.12% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.08% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.5% 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 -84.4% for SMOG 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMOG charges 0.64% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $9 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOG currently yields 1.56% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMOG and SPY share 3 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMOG or SPY?
SMOG has an expense ratio of 0.64% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOG or SPY?
Over the past year SMOG returned +23.68% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SMOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SMOG annualized +1.72% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOG or SPY?
SMOG has been the more volatile fund at 28.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMOG -84.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMOG and SPY?
SMOG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMOG and SPY?
SMOG and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOG or SPY?
SMOG yields 1.56% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SMOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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