BMEZ vs SPY
BMEZ vs SPY
BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BMEZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMEZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.61% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 171 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.98% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.15% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.28% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.09% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BMEZ vs SPY Performance
BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (BMEZ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BMEZ returned +28.15% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BMEZ is up 11.98% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, BMEZ compounded at +11.28% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.09% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BMEZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -46.0% for BMEZ 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMEZ charges 1.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $9 annually, a gap of $121 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMEZ currently yields 8.61% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BMEZ and SPY share 26 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BMEZ | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNJ | 2.82% | 0.96% | 1.86% |
| MRK | 2.61% | 0.48% | 2.13% |
| MDT:IE | 2.68% | 0.16% | 2.52% |
| GILD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| A | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PODD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BMEZ 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, BMEZ or SPY?
BMEZ has an expense ratio of 1.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $121 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BMEZ or SPY?
Over the past year BMEZ returned +28.15% vs +23.66% for SPY, so BMEZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BMEZ annualized +5.08% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMEZ or SPY?
BMEZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BMEZ -46.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BMEZ and SPY?
BMEZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BMEZ and SPY?
BMEZ and SPY share 26 common holdings with a 5.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMEZ or SPY?
BMEZ yields 8.61% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BMEZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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