EMTY vs SPY
ProShares Decline of the Retail Store 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 | EMTY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.28% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.65% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.70% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.92% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.99% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EMTY vs SPY Performance
ProShares Decline of the Retail Store ETF (EMTY) 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 EMTY returned +3.70% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, EMTY is down 2.65% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, EMTY compounded at -4.92% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.99% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -78.1% for EMTY 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 -0.73. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 3.28% against 1.01% for SPY.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMTY or SPY?
Over the past year EMTY returned +3.70% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), EMTY annualized -11.63% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMTY or SPY?
EMTY has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EMTY -78.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EMTY and SPY?
EMTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMTY or SPY?
EMTY yields 3.28% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EMTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.