EZM vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. EZM delivered stronger 1-year returns.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: EZMMore Diversified: Tied

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEZMSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.38%0.09%
AUM$940M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.21%1.01%
Holdings509505
YTD Return+15.09%+13.79%
1Y Return+25.18%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.49%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.26%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)20.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-60.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyWisdomTree InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 23, 2007Jan 22, 1993

EZM vs SPY Performance

WisdomTree US MidCap Fund (EZM) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EZM returned +25.18% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, EZM is up 15.09% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, EZM compounded at +13.49% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.26% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EZM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -60.6% for EZM 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EZM charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EZM currently yields 1.21% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.6%overlap

EZM and SPY share 30 holdings out of 976 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EZMWeight in SPYDifference
VTRS1.31%0.03%1.28%
CF1.10%0.03%1.07%
GL0.53%0.02%0.51%
BENProProPro
DVAProProPro
NCLHProProPro
SJMProProPro
MOSProProPro
ALGNProProPro
HSTProProPro
See all 10 holdings EZM shares with SPY
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EZM or SPY?

EZM has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EZM or SPY?

Over the past year EZM returned +25.18% vs +23.66% for SPY, so EZM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EZM annualized +8.57% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EZM or SPY?

EZM has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EZM -60.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both EZM and SPY?

EZM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EZM and SPY?

EZM and SPY share 30 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 976 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EZM or SPY?

EZM yields 1.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EZM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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