SOLR vs SPY
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SOLR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOLR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.59% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.08% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.10% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 11, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SOLR vs SPY Performance
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF (SOLR) is a ETF from SmartETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SOLR is up 10.08% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SOLR compounded at +5.08% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.10% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +7.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -38.0% for SOLR 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOLR charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOLR currently yields 0.59% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SOLR and SPY share 6 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOLR or SPY?
SOLR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOLR or SPY?
Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SOLR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SOLR annualized +7.45% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOLR or SPY?
SOLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SOLR -38.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SOLR and SPY?
SOLR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOLR and SPY?
SOLR and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOLR or SPY?
SOLR yields 0.59% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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