NTSX vs SPY
WisdomTree US Efficient Core Fund 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NTSX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 503 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.56% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.41% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.59% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.41% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NTSX vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree US Efficient Core Fund (NTSX) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NTSX returned +17.41% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, NTSX is up 9.56% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, NTSX compounded at +19.59% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.41% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, NTSX has the edge at +12.22% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NTSX 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 -31.3% for NTSX 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NTSX charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NTSX currently yields 1.10% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NTSX and SPY share 406 holdings out of 591 unique holdings combined, representing a 77.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NTSX or SPY?
NTSX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NTSX or SPY?
Over the past year NTSX returned +17.41% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), NTSX annualized +12.22% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NTSX or SPY?
NTSX has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NTSX -31.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NTSX and SPY?
NTSX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between NTSX and SPY?
NTSX and SPY share 406 common holdings with a 77.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NTSX or SPY?
NTSX yields 1.10% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NTSX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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