EEA vs SPY
The European Equity Fund, Inc. vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $90M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.32% | +13.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.26% | +21.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.76% | +22.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.36% | +13.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 1986 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EEA vs SPY Performance
The European Equity Fund, Inc. (EEA) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EEA returned +15.26% while SPY returned +21.44%. Year to date, EEA is up 9.32% versus a gain of 13.70% for SPY.
Over three years, EEA compounded at +15.76% per year against +22.50% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.36% and +13.24% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.0% 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 -82.4% for EEA 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Holdings Overlap
EEA and SPY share 1 holdings out of 562 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EEA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRH:LN | 0.96% | 0.10% | 0.86% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, EEA or SPY?
Over the past year EEA returned +15.26% vs +21.44% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), EEA annualized +1.16% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEA or SPY?
EEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EEA -82.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EEA and SPY?
EEA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEA and SPY?
EEA and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEA or SPY?
EEA yields 3.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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