EFAX vs SPY
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. EFAX offers more diversification with 671 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFAX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $518M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 671 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.31% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.24% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.53% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EFAX vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EFAX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EFAX returned +20.24% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, EFAX is up 12.31% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, EFAX compounded at +18.69% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.53% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +8.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -36.2% for EFAX 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAX charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAX currently yields 3.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAX or SPY?
EFAX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAX or SPY?
Over the past year EFAX returned +20.24% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EFAX annualized +8.24% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAX or SPY?
EFAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EFAX -36.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EFAX and SPY?
EFAX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFAX and SPY?
EFAX and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAX or SPY?
EFAX yields 3.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EFAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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