SPY vs URNJ
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. URNJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | URNJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.80% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $366M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 7.63% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | -13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +22.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +19.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 46.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -57.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Sprott ETFS | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 1, 2023 |
SPY vs URNJ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while URNJ returned +22.44%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a loss of 13.92% for URNJ.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +19.67% for URNJ. Across the full 4-year window we track, URNJ has the edge at +10.67% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.5% 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 -57.7% for URNJ. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while URNJ charges 0.80%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $80 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 7.63% for URNJ.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and URNJ share 0 holdings out of 542 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 URNJ?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while URNJ charges 0.80%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or URNJ?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +22.44% for URNJ, so URNJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +10.67% for URNJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or URNJ?
URNJ has been the more volatile fund at 46.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs URNJ -57.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and URNJ?
SPY and URNJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and URNJ?
SPY and URNJ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or URNJ?
SPY yields 1.01% while URNJ yields 7.63%, so URNJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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