ECON vs SPY
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ECON delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECON | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $340M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.32% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.18% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.08% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.33% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ECON vs SPY Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF (ECON) 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 ECON returned +41.18% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, ECON is up 22.32% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, ECON compounded at +20.08% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.33% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +4.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECON has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -45.4% for ECON 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECON charges 0.47% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $9 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECON currently yields 1.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ECON and SPY share 1 holdings out of 749 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECON | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.20% | 0.04% | 0.16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECON or SPY?
ECON has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECON or SPY?
Over the past year ECON returned +41.18% vs +22.52% for SPY, so ECON leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECON annualized +4.36% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECON or SPY?
ECON has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ECON -45.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ECON and SPY?
ECON and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECON and SPY?
ECON and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 749 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECON or SPY?
ECON yields 1.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ECON 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.