GSC vs SPY
GSC vs SPY
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $284M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.02% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.79% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GSC vs SPY Performance
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Equity ETF (GSC) 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 GSC returned +34.79% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, GSC is up 24.02% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -27.0% for GSC 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSC 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, GSC currently yields 0.13% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GSC and SPY share 1 holdings out of 599 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GSC | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRL | 0.89% | 0.02% | 0.87% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSC or SPY?
GSC 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, GSC or SPY?
Over the past year GSC returned +34.79% vs +23.66% for SPY, so GSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GSC annualized +21.47% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSC or SPY?
GSC has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GSC -27.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GSC and SPY?
GSC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSC and SPY?
GSC and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 599 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSC or SPY?
GSC yields 0.13% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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