GDFN vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGDFNSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.68%0.09%
AUM$1M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings32505
YTD Return-2.64%+14.47%
1Y Return-+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-21.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyTema Global LimitedState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 25, 2025Jan 22, 1993

GDFN vs SPY Performance

Tema International Defense Innovation ETF (GDFN) is a ETF from Tema Global Limited and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, GDFN is down 2.64% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -21.4% for GDFN and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GDFN charges 0.68% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $9 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDFN currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

1.7%overlap

GDFN and SPY share 7 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in GDFNWeight in SPYDifference
PLTR2.40%0.47%1.93%
RTX1.41%0.42%0.99%
LMT1.62%0.17%1.45%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GDFN or SPY?

GDFN has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between GDFN and SPY?

GDFN and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GDFN or SPY?

GDFN yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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