GBND vs SPY
GBND vs SPY
Goldman Sachs Core Bond 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 | GBND | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $523M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.43% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 485 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.35% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.24% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GBND vs SPY Performance
Goldman Sachs Core Bond ETF (GBND) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GBND returned +2.24% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, GBND is down 0.35% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.2% for GBND. 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 -2.8% for GBND 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GBND charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GBND currently yields 3.43% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GBND and SPY share 0 holdings out of 826 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GBND or SPY?
GBND has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GBND or SPY?
Over the past year GBND returned +2.24% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), GBND annualized +2.74% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GBND or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.2% for GBND. Worst drawdown: GBND -2.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GBND and SPY?
GBND and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GBND and SPY?
GBND and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 826 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GBND or SPY?
GBND yields 3.43% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GBND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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