KNRG vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKNRGSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.76%0.09%
AUM$151M$789.1B
Dividend Yield6.92%1.01%
Holdings43505
YTD Return+3.13%+13.79%
1Y Return+7.26%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)3.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-2.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMay 27, 2025Jan 22, 1993

KNRG vs SPY Performance

Simplify Kayne Anderson Energy and Infrastructure Credit ETF (KNRG) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KNRG returned +7.26% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, KNRG is up 3.13% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.4% for KNRG. 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 -2.7% for KNRG 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

KNRG charges 0.76% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $9 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNRG currently yields 6.92% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

KNRG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 536 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, KNRG or SPY?

KNRG has an expense ratio of 0.76% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.

Which performed better, KNRG or SPY?

Over the past year KNRG returned +7.26% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), KNRG annualized +8.95% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, KNRG or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.4% for KNRG. Worst drawdown: KNRG -2.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both KNRG and SPY?

KNRG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between KNRG and SPY?

KNRG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, KNRG or SPY?

KNRG yields 6.92% while SPY yields 1.01%, so KNRG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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