SPY vs VRAI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Virtus Real Asset Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VRAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VRAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.82% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 91 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +24.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +28.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +13.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +7.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 7, 2019 |
SPY vs VRAI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while VRAI returned +28.86%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 24.96% for VRAI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +13.90% for VRAI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +7.06% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +5.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VRAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -48.9% for VRAI. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VRAI charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $55 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.82% for VRAI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VRAI share 26 holdings out of 568 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VRAI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VRAI charges 0.55%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VRAI?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +28.86% for VRAI, so VRAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +5.66% for VRAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VRAI?
VRAI has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VRAI -48.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and VRAI?
SPY and VRAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VRAI?
SPY and VRAI share 26 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 568 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VRAI?
SPY yields 1.01% while VRAI yields 2.82%, so VRAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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