CEFA vs SPY
Global X S&P Catholic Values Developed ex-US 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 | CEFA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $59M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 367 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.06% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.86% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.32% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.23% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 22, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CEFA vs SPY Performance
Global X S&P Catholic Values Developed ex-US ETF (CEFA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CEFA returned +20.86% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, CEFA is up 13.06% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, CEFA compounded at +18.32% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.23% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, CEFA has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CEFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -32.0% for CEFA 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEFA charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEFA currently yields 2.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CEFA and SPY share 4 holdings out of 847 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEFA or SPY?
CEFA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEFA or SPY?
Over the past year CEFA returned +20.86% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), CEFA annualized +11.51% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEFA or SPY?
CEFA has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CEFA -32.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CEFA and SPY?
CEFA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEFA and SPY?
CEFA and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 847 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEFA or SPY?
CEFA yields 2.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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