SPY vs URA
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Global X Uranium ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. URA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | URA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.69% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $6.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.30% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 57 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +0.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +29.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +31.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +24.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 37.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -93.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 4, 2010 |
SPY vs URA Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Global X Uranium ETF (URA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while URA returned +29.83%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 0.02% for URA.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +31.32% for URA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +24.52% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -2.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.3% 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 -93.5% for URA. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while URA charges 0.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $69 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.30% for URA.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and URA share 0 holdings out of 549 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 URA?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while URA charges 0.69%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or URA?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +29.83% for URA, so URA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs -2.32% for URA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or URA?
URA has been the more volatile fund at 37.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs URA -93.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and URA?
SPY and URA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and URA?
SPY and URA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or URA?
SPY yields 1.01% while URA yields 5.30%, so URA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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