EMOT vs SPY
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat 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 | EMOT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.87% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.72% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EMOT vs SPY Performance
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EMOT returned +17.72% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, EMOT is up 15.87% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.3% for EMOT. 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 -16.4% for EMOT 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
EMOT charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMOT currently yields 1.08% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EMOT and SPY share 50 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMOT or SPY?
EMOT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMOT or SPY?
Over the past year EMOT returned +17.72% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EMOT annualized +16.93% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMOT or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.3% for EMOT. Worst drawdown: EMOT -16.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EMOT and SPY?
EMOT 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 EMOT and SPY?
EMOT and SPY share 50 common holdings with a 25.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMOT or SPY?
EMOT yields 1.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EMOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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