GEW vs SPY
Cambria Global EW ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GEW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $140M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 452 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.01% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.64% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GEW vs SPY Performance
Cambria Global EW ETF (GEW) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GEW returned +16.64% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, GEW is up 12.01% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -8.2% for GEW 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
GEW charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEW currently yields 1.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GEW and SPY share 244 holdings out of 705 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GEW or SPY?
GEW has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GEW or SPY?
Over the past year GEW returned +16.64% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between GEW and SPY?
GEW and SPY share 244 common holdings with a 33.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 705 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GEW or SPY?
GEW yields 1.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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