SPY vs USG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. USG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | USG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 29.92% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | -0.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +23.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +26.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -24.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 8, 2021 |
SPY vs USG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund (USG) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while USG returned +23.39%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a loss of 0.23% for USG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +26.97% for USG. Across the full 5-year window we track, USG has the edge at +17.36% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -24.9% for USG. 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while USG charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $45 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 29.92% for USG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or USG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while USG charges 0.45%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or USG?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +23.39% for USG, so USG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +17.36% for USG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or USG?
USG has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs USG -24.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and USG?
SPY and USG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or USG?
SPY yields 1.01% while USG yields 29.92%, so USG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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