EMTY vs SPY
ProShares Decline of the Retail Store ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Which is better, EMTY or SPY?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.73, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMTY | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09%Best |
| AUM | $3M | $804.7B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.22% | 0.98% |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 |
| YTD Return | +5.19% | +12.09%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.96% | +16.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -5.77% | +21.20%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.24% | +13.37%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.0% | 16.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -78.1% | -34.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $8,929 | $18,728Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2017 to Sep 18, 2026 (8.8 years).
EMTY vs SPY growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 8.8 years both funds cover.
EMTY vs SPY Performance
ProShares Decline of the Retail Store ETF (EMTY) is an ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EMTY returned +11.96% while SPY returned +16.29%. Year to date, EMTY is up 5.19% versus a gain of 12.09% for SPY.
Over three years, EMTY compounded at -5.77% per year against +21.20% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.24% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +13.95% annualized vs -10.72%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.0% compared with 16.3% 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 -78.1% for EMTY and -34.1% for SPY. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.73. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMTY charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMTY currently yields 3.22% against 0.98% for SPY.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EMTY and SPY you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMTY or SPY?
EMTY has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option, by $56 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EMTY or SPY?
Over the past year EMTY returned +11.96% vs +16.29% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), EMTY annualized -10.72% vs +13.95% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EMTY or SPY?
EMTY has been the more volatile fund at 24.0% annualized versus 16.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EMTY -78.1% vs SPY -34.1%.
Should I hold both EMTY and SPY?
EMTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.73, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMTY or SPY?
EMTY yields 3.22% while SPY yields 0.98%, so EMTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SPY better than EMTY?
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.73, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.