GHY vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. GHY offers more diversification with 545 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: GHY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGHYSPYWinner
Expense Ratio-0.09%
AUM$543M$789.1B
Dividend Yield9.71%1.01%
Holdings889505
YTD Return-0.52%+9.93%
1Y Return-1.51%+19.50%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.12%+19.33%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.60%+12.82%
Volatility (annualized)13.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-55.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 21, 2012Jan 22, 1993

GHY vs SPY Performance

PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc (GHY) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GHY returned -1.51% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, GHY is down 0.52% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.

Over three years, GHY compounded at +12.12% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.60% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +0.10%. 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 13.0% for GHY. 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 -55.6% for GHY 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

GHY and SPY share 2 holdings out of 1046 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in GHYWeight in SPYDifference
EXE0.10%0.03%0.07%
GEN0.08%0.02%0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which performed better, GHY or SPY?

Over the past year GHY returned -1.51% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GHY annualized +0.10% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GHY or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for GHY. Worst drawdown: GHY -55.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both GHY and SPY?

GHY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GHY and SPY?

GHY and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1046 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GHY or SPY?

GHY yields 9.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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