Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: LFSCMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLFSCSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.54%0.09%
AUM$124M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings40505
YTD Return+30.48%+13.79%
1Y Return+89.20%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)26.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-29.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyEmerald ETFState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 30, 2024Jan 22, 1993

LFSC vs SPY Performance

F/m Emerald Life Sciences Innovation ETF (LFSC) is a ETF from Emerald ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LFSC returned +89.20% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, LFSC is up 30.48% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

LFSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.5% 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 -29.7% for LFSC 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LFSC charges 0.54% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $9 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LFSC currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

LFSC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 542 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, LFSC or SPY?

LFSC has an expense ratio of 0.54% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.

Which performed better, LFSC or SPY?

Over the past year LFSC returned +89.20% vs +23.66% for SPY, so LFSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LFSC annualized +43.77% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, LFSC or SPY?

LFSC has been the more volatile fund at 26.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LFSC -29.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both LFSC and SPY?

LFSC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between LFSC and SPY?

LFSC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, LFSC or SPY?

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

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