ARMY vs SPY
Tema International Defense 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARMY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.28% | +12.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.12% | +20.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Tema Global Limited | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ARMY vs SPY Performance
Tema International Defense ETF (ARMY) is a ETF from Tema Global Limited and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ARMY returned -3.12% while SPY returned +20.30%. Year to date, ARMY is down 0.28% versus a gain of 12.10% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARMY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.3% 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 -21.4% for ARMY 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARMY charges 0.68% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $9 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARMY currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ARMY and SPY share 7 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARMY or SPY?
ARMY has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARMY or SPY?
Over the past year ARMY returned -3.12% vs +20.30% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARMY or SPY?
ARMY has been the more volatile fund at 30.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARMY -21.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARMY and SPY?
ARMY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARMY and SPY?
ARMY and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARMY or SPY?
ARMY yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY 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.