RAAX vs SPY
RAAX vs SPY
VanEck Real Assets ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RAAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RAAX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 18 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.66% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.75% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 9, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RAAX vs SPY Performance
VanEck Real Assets ETF (RAAX) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RAAX returned +28.75% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, RAAX is up 13.66% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, RAAX compounded at +18.69% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, RAAX has the edge at +9.02% 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 14.7% for RAAX. 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 -33.9% for RAAX 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RAAX charges 0.69% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $9 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RAAX currently yields 2.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RAAX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 519 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, RAAX or SPY?
RAAX has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RAAX or SPY?
Over the past year RAAX returned +28.75% vs +22.80% for SPY, so RAAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), RAAX annualized +9.02% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RAAX or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for RAAX. Worst drawdown: RAAX -33.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RAAX and SPY?
RAAX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RAAX and SPY?
RAAX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RAAX or SPY?
RAAX yields 2.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RAAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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