SPY vs USNG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Amplify Samsung US Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. USNG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | USNG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.43% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 28 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +26.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +36.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Amplify ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 20, 2025 |
SPY vs USNG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Amplify Samsung US Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while USNG returned +36.03%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 26.08% for USNG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -11.9% for USNG. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while USNG charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $59 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.43% for USNG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and USNG share 9 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or USNG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while USNG charges 0.59%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or USNG?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +36.03% for USNG, so USNG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +33.42% for USNG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or USNG?
USNG has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs USNG -11.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and USNG?
SPY and USNG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and USNG?
SPY and USNG share 9 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or USNG?
SPY yields 1.01% while USNG yields 1.43%, so USNG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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