EES vs SPY
WisdomTree US SmallCap Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EES delivered stronger 1-year returns. EES offers more diversification with 903 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EES | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $737M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 903 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.58% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.45% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.58% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EES vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Fund (EES) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EES returned +28.45% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, EES is up 21.58% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, EES compounded at +16.58% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.99% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +7.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% 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 -64.5% for EES 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EES charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EES currently yields 1.14% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EES and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1357 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 EES | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFG | 0.02% | 0.05% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EES or SPY?
EES has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EES or SPY?
Over the past year EES returned +28.45% vs +20.62% for SPY, so EES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EES annualized +7.91% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EES or SPY?
EES has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EES -64.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EES and SPY?
EES and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EES and SPY?
EES and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1357 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EES or SPY?
EES yields 1.14% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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