GEME vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. GEME delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: GEMEMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGEMESPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.09%
AUM$387M$789.1B
Dividend Yield5.32%1.01%
Holdings68505
YTD Return+29.58%+13.75%
1Y Return+59.21%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)20.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-16.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPacific Global Asset ManagementState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 23, 2025Jan 22, 1993

GEME vs SPY Performance

Pacific NoS Global EM Equity Active ETF (GEME) is a ETF from Pacific Global Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GEME returned +59.21% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, GEME is up 29.58% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

GEME has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -16.9% for GEME 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GEME charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEME currently yields 5.32% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

GEME and SPY share 0 holdings out of 551 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, GEME or SPY?

GEME has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GEME or SPY?

Over the past year GEME returned +59.21% vs +22.91% for SPY, so GEME leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GEME annualized +46.93% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GEME or SPY?

GEME has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GEME -16.9% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both GEME and SPY?

GEME and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GEME and SPY?

GEME and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 551 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GEME or SPY?

GEME yields 5.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GEME currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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