REM vs SPY
iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF 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 | REM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $547M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.92% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.23% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.88% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.66% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -92.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
REM vs SPY Performance
iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF (REM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year REM returned +5.72% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, REM is down 1.23% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, REM compounded at +6.88% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.66% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -8.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -92.9% for REM 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REM charges 0.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $9 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REM currently yields 8.92% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
REM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 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, REM or SPY?
REM has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REM or SPY?
Over the past year REM returned +5.72% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), REM annualized -8.72% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REM or SPY?
REM has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: REM -92.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both REM and SPY?
REM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REM and SPY?
REM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REM or SPY?
REM yields 8.92% while SPY yields 1.01%, so REM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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