SPY vs SPYG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPYG has a lower expense ratio. SPYG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SPYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $55.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.49% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 149 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +23.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +27.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +13.93% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -69.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 25, 2000 |
SPY vs SPYG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while SPYG returned +23.26%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 15.44% for SPYG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +27.24% for SPYG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +13.93% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +6.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -69.7% for SPYG. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SPYG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.49% for SPYG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SPYG share 147 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 66.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SPYG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPYG charges 0.04%. SPYG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SPYG?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +23.26% for SPYG, so SPYG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +6.66% for SPYG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SPYG?
SPYG has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SPYG -69.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and SPYG?
SPY and SPYG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 SPY and SPYG?
SPY and SPYG share 147 common holdings with a 66.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SPYG?
SPY yields 1.01% while SPYG yields 0.49%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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