QEFA vs SPY
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. QEFA offers more diversification with 680 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEFA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.75% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 680 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.40% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.87% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.65% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.66% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QEFA vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) 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 QEFA returned +18.87% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, QEFA is up 12.40% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, QEFA compounded at +17.65% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.66% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +5.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.3% for QEFA. 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 -32.7% for QEFA 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEFA charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QEFA currently yields 2.75% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QEFA and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1137 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QEFA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.26% | 0.05% | 0.21% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEFA or SPY?
QEFA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEFA or SPY?
Over the past year QEFA returned +18.87% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEFA annualized +5.72% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEFA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.3% for QEFA. Worst drawdown: QEFA -32.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QEFA and SPY?
QEFA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QEFA and SPY?
QEFA and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEFA or SPY?
QEFA yields 2.75% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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