EFU vs SPY
ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE 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 | EFU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -22.65% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | -34.19% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -26.53% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -17.12% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EFU vs SPY Performance
ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE (EFU) 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 EFU returned -34.19% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, EFU is down 22.65% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, EFU compounded at -26.53% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -17.12% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -20.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% 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 -99.5% for EFU 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 -0.81. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFU charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFU currently yields 5.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFU or SPY?
EFU has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFU or SPY?
Over the past year EFU returned -34.19% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EFU annualized -20.40% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFU or SPY?
EFU has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EFU -99.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EFU and SPY?
EFU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFU or SPY?
EFU yields 5.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EFU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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