EFAD vs SPY
ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFAD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $62M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.08% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.07% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.33% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EFAD vs SPY Performance
ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EFAD returned +8.07% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, EFAD is up 8.08% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, EFAD compounded at +8.33% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% for EFAD. 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 -35.7% for EFAD 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
EFAD charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAD currently yields 2.64% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EFAD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 578 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAD or SPY?
EFAD has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAD or SPY?
Over the past year EFAD returned +8.07% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), EFAD annualized +3.13% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for EFAD. Worst drawdown: EFAD -35.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EFAD and SPY?
EFAD 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 EFAD and SPY?
EFAD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 578 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAD or SPY?
EFAD yields 2.64% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EFAD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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