RECS vs SPY
RECS vs SPY
Columbia Research Enhanced Core 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 | RECS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 368 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.77% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.74% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.87% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RECS vs SPY Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RECS returned +19.74% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, RECS is up 9.77% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, RECS compounded at +20.87% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.59% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +3.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RECS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -34.3% for RECS 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RECS charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RECS currently yields 1.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RECS and SPY share 175 holdings out of 688 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RECS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 9.06% | 7.31% | 1.75% |
| AAPL | 8.40% | 7.09% | 1.31% |
| MSFT | 6.30% | 4.43% | 1.87% |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RECS 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, RECS or SPY?
RECS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RECS or SPY?
Over the past year RECS returned +19.74% vs +22.80% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), RECS annualized +3.98% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RECS or SPY?
RECS has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RECS -34.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RECS and SPY?
RECS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between RECS and SPY?
RECS and SPY share 175 common holdings with a 45.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 688 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RECS or SPY?
RECS yields 1.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RECS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.