CATH vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCATHSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.29%0.09%
AUM$1.3B$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.77%1.01%
Holdings448505
YTD Return+11.86%+13.28%
1Y Return+20.87%+23.94%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.67%+21.07%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.04%+13.27%
Volatility (annualized)15.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-34.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 18, 2016Jan 22, 1993

CATH vs SPY Performance

Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CATH returned +20.87% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, CATH is up 11.86% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.

Over three years, CATH compounded at +19.67% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.04% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, CATH has the edge at +13.99% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CATH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -34.0% for CATH and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CATH charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CATH currently yields 0.77% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

39.6%overlap

CATH and SPY share 409 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CATHWeight in SPYDifference
LRCX7.81%0.68%7.13%
GE6.84%0.61%6.23%
NVDA0.02%7.31%7.29%
AAPLProProPro
CSCOProProPro
MSFTProProPro
GILDProProPro
PGProProPro
AMZNProProPro
MAProProPro
See all 10 holdings CATH shares with SPY
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CATH or SPY?

CATH has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CATH or SPY?

Over the past year CATH returned +20.87% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CATH annualized +13.99% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CATH or SPY?

CATH has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CATH -34.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CATH and SPY?

CATH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between CATH and SPY?

CATH and SPY share 409 common holdings with a 39.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CATH or SPY?

CATH yields 0.77% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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