ESN vs SPY
Essential 40 Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ESN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $312M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.87% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.79% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | KKM Financial | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ESN vs SPY Performance
Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) is a ETF from KKM Financial and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ESN returned +28.79% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ESN is up 19.87% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.9% for ESN. 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 -13.6% for ESN 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
ESN charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESN currently yields 0.79% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ESN and SPY share 37 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESN or SPY?
ESN has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESN or SPY?
Over the past year ESN returned +28.79% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ESN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ESN annualized +19.03% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESN or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.9% for ESN. Worst drawdown: ESN -13.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESN and SPY?
ESN 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 ESN and SPY?
ESN and SPY share 37 common holdings with a 25.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESN or SPY?
ESN yields 0.79% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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