EPP vs SPY
EPP vs SPY
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan 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 | EPP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.14% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.35% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.69% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.66% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EPP vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) 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 EPP returned +19.35% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, EPP is up 15.14% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, EPP compounded at +15.69% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.66% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -67.7% for EPP 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPP charges 0.47% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $9 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPP currently yields 3.51% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EPP and SPY share 0 holdings out of 597 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPP or SPY?
EPP has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPP or SPY?
Over the past year EPP returned +19.35% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EPP annualized +6.07% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPP or SPY?
EPP has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EPP -67.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EPP and SPY?
EPP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPP and SPY?
EPP and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 597 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPP or SPY?
EPP yields 3.51% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EPP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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