GDMA vs SPY
GDMA vs SPY
Gadsden Dynamic Multi-Asset 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 | GDMA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $197M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.48% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.78% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.53% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.88% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.79% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gadsden Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GDMA vs SPY Performance
Gadsden Dynamic Multi-Asset ETF (GDMA) is a ETF from Gadsden Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GDMA returned +19.53% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, GDMA is up 8.78% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, GDMA compounded at +14.88% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.79% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, GDMA has the edge at +9.03% annualized vs +8.83%. 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 9.9% for GDMA. 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 -16.7% for GDMA 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDMA charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDMA currently yields 2.48% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GDMA and SPY share 13 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GDMA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOOG | 0.97% | 2.66% | 1.69% |
| DELL | 2.83% | 0.18% | 2.65% |
| MU | 1.06% | 1.71% | 0.65% |
| ORCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KLAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SNDK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WDC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GDMA 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, GDMA or SPY?
GDMA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDMA or SPY?
Over the past year GDMA returned +19.53% vs +22.80% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), GDMA annualized +9.03% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDMA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.9% for GDMA. Worst drawdown: GDMA -16.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GDMA and SPY?
GDMA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDMA and SPY?
GDMA and SPY share 13 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDMA or SPY?
GDMA yields 2.48% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GDMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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