EPHE vs SPY
iShares MSCI Philippines 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 | EPHE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $135M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.78% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.37% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.26% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.71% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.14% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EPHE vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (EPHE) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EPHE returned +0.26% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, EPHE is up 4.37% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, EPHE compounded at +3.71% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.14% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPHE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -55.8% for EPHE 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPHE charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPHE currently yields 2.78% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EPHE and SPY share 1 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EPHE | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEL | 3.32% | 0.09% | 3.23% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPHE or SPY?
EPHE has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPHE or SPY?
Over the past year EPHE returned +0.26% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPHE annualized +0.93% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPHE or SPY?
EPHE has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EPHE -55.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EPHE and SPY?
EPHE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPHE and SPY?
EPHE and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPHE or SPY?
EPHE yields 2.78% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EPHE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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