SPY vs TURF

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TURFMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYTURFWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.44%
AUM$789.1B-
Dividend Yield1.01%-
Holdings505347
YTD Return+13.79%+13.37%
1Y Return+23.66%+33.10%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.40%-
5Y Return (annualized)+13.37%-
Volatility (annualized)15.3%17.9%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-13.2%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementT.Rowe Price
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 22, 1993Jun 11, 2025

SPY vs TURF Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and T. Rowe Price Natural Resources ETF (TURF) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while TURF returned +33.10%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 13.37% for TURF.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

TURF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -13.2% for TURF. 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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while TURF charges 0.44%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $44 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPY and TURF share 0 holdings out of 665 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, SPY or TURF?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TURF charges 0.44%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or TURF?

Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +33.10% for TURF, so TURF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +29.43% for TURF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or TURF?

TURF has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TURF -13.2%.

Should I hold both SPY and TURF?

SPY and TURF have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TURF?

SPY and TURF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 665 unique securities.

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