CGUS vs SPY
CGUS vs SPY
Capital Group Core Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGUS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.82% | +11.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.17% | +21.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.61% | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Capital Group (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CGUS vs SPY Performance
Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CGUS returned +20.17% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, CGUS is up 12.82% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.
Over three years, CGUS compounded at +21.61% per year against +20.76% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, CGUS has the edge at +15.99% annualized vs +8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for CGUS. 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 -21.9% for CGUS 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGUS charges 0.33% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $9 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGUS currently yields 0.84% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CGUS and SPY share 55 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CGUS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.72% | 7.31% | 0.59% |
| MSFT | 5.57% | 4.43% | 1.14% |
| AAPL | 2.77% | 7.09% | 4.32% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings CGUS shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGUS or SPY?
CGUS has an expense ratio of 0.33% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGUS or SPY?
Over the past year CGUS returned +20.17% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CGUS annualized +15.99% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGUS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for CGUS. Worst drawdown: CGUS -21.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CGUS and SPY?
CGUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 CGUS and SPY?
CGUS and SPY share 55 common holdings with a 43.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGUS or SPY?
CGUS yields 0.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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