SPGM vs SPY
State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPGM has a lower expense ratio. SPGM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPGM offers more diversification with 2,985 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPGM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,985 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.55% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.40% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.64% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPGM vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPGM returned +25.40% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, SPGM is up 15.55% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, SPGM compounded at +21.36% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.64% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPGM has the edge at +9.96% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.7% for SPGM. 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 -34.0% for SPGM 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPGM charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPGM currently yields 1.80% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SPGM and SPY share 318 holdings out of 3031 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPGM or SPY?
SPGM has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPGM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPGM or SPY?
Over the past year SPGM returned +25.40% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPGM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPGM annualized +9.96% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPGM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for SPGM. Worst drawdown: SPGM -34.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPGM and SPY?
SPGM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPGM and SPY?
SPGM and SPY share 318 common holdings with a 51.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3031 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPGM or SPY?
SPGM yields 1.80% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPGM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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