REFA vs SPY
Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REFA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 215 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.15% | +12.73% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +20.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.93% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
REFA vs SPY Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF (REFA) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, REFA is up 15.15% versus a gain of 12.73% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -11.2% for REFA and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REFA charges 0.32% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $9 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REFA currently yields 0.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
REFA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 714 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, REFA or SPY?
REFA has an expense ratio of 0.32% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between REFA and SPY?
REFA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 714 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REFA or SPY?
REFA yields 0.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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