EFAS vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. EFAS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: EFASMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEFASSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.09%
AUM$56M$821.1B
Dividend Yield4.52%1.01%
Holdings58505
YTD Return+20.23%+14.24%
1Y Return+26.31%+21.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+27.27%+22.10%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.19%+13.21%
Volatility (annualized)18.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-51.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 10, 2016Jan 22, 1993

EFAS vs SPY Performance

Global X MSCI SuperDividend EAFE ETF (EFAS) 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 EFAS returned +26.31% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, EFAS is up 20.23% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.

Over three years, EFAS compounded at +27.27% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.19% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +8.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EFAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -51.1% for EFAS 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EFAS charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAS currently yields 4.52% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EFAS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 553 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, EFAS or SPY?

EFAS has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EFAS or SPY?

Over the past year EFAS returned +26.31% vs +21.71% for SPY, so EFAS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EFAS annualized +8.19% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EFAS or SPY?

EFAS has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EFAS -51.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both EFAS and SPY?

EFAS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EFAS and SPY?

EFAS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EFAS or SPY?

EFAS yields 4.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EFAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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