GMF vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Asia Pacific ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GMF delivered stronger 1-year returns. GMF offers more diversification with 1239 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GMF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $424M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,290 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.04% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.60% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.17% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GMF vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Asia Pacific ETF (GMF) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GMF returned +22.60% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, GMF is up 10.04% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, GMF compounded at +18.17% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +5.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GMF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -67.6% for GMF 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GMF charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GMF currently yields 1.19% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GMF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1742 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, GMF or SPY?
GMF has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GMF or SPY?
Over the past year GMF returned +22.60% vs +22.52% for SPY, so GMF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GMF annualized +5.47% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GMF or SPY?
GMF has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GMF -67.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GMF and SPY?
GMF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GMF and SPY?
GMF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1742 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GMF or SPY?
GMF yields 1.19% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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