FEOE vs SPY
First Eagle Overseas Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FEOE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEOE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.33% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.73% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.67% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Eagle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FEOE vs SPY Performance
First Eagle Overseas Equity ETF (FEOE) is a ETF from First Eagle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FEOE returned +30.67% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FEOE is up 14.73% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.4% for FEOE. 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 -12.3% for FEOE 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEOE charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEOE currently yields 1.33% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEOE or SPY?
FEOE has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEOE or SPY?
Over the past year FEOE returned +30.67% vs +21.53% for SPY, so FEOE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FEOE annualized +34.29% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEOE or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for FEOE. Worst drawdown: FEOE -12.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FEOE and SPY?
FEOE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEOE and SPY?
FEOE and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 576 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEOE or SPY?
FEOE yields 1.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FEOE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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