SPY vs UNG
SPY vs UNG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs United States Natural Gas Fund LP
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | UNG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.17% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $461M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | -19.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | -28.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | -31.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | -29.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 47.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -99.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 18, 2007 |
SPY vs UNG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and United States Natural Gas Fund LP (UNG) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while UNG returned -28.01%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a loss of 19.24% for UNG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against -31.35% for UNG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and -29.70% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -28.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.0% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -99.9% for UNG. 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UNG charges 1.17%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $117 annually, a gap of $108 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for UNG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UNG share 0 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UNG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UNG charges 1.17%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $108 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or UNG?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs -28.01% for UNG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs -28.60% for UNG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UNG?
UNG has been the more volatile fund at 47.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UNG -99.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and UNG?
SPY and UNG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UNG?
SPY and UNG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UNG?
SPY yields 1.01% while UNG yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.