MEDI vs SPY
Harbor Health Care ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. MEDI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEDI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $42M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.04% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.12% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.58% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.65% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MEDI vs SPY Performance
Harbor Health Care ETF (MEDI) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MEDI returned +31.58% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, MEDI is up 10.12% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, MEDI compounded at +16.65% per year against +21.67% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEDI has the edge at +17.04% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -19.2% for MEDI 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEDI charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEDI currently yields 0.04% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MEDI and SPY share 16 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEDI or SPY?
MEDI has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEDI or SPY?
Over the past year MEDI returned +31.58% vs +22.91% for SPY, so MEDI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEDI annualized +17.04% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEDI or SPY?
MEDI has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MEDI -19.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MEDI and SPY?
MEDI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEDI and SPY?
MEDI and SPY share 16 common holdings with a 4.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEDI or SPY?
MEDI yields 0.04% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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