GSEE vs SPY
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GSEE delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSEE offers more diversification with 2,010 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSEE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $137M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,010 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.38% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.53% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.33% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GSEE vs SPY Performance
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GSEE) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GSEE returned +32.53% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, GSEE is up 19.38% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, GSEE compounded at +21.49% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.33% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, GSEE has the edge at +12.47% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSEE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -37.5% for GSEE 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEE charges 0.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $9 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSEE currently yields 2.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GSEE and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1724 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GSEE | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.07% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSEE or SPY?
GSEE has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSEE or SPY?
Over the past year GSEE returned +32.53% vs +21.82% for SPY, so GSEE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), GSEE annualized +12.47% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEE or SPY?
GSEE has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GSEE -37.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GSEE and SPY?
GSEE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSEE and SPY?
GSEE and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1724 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEE or SPY?
GSEE yields 2.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GSEE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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