SEEM vs SPY
SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SEEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $604M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 249 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.71% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.15% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SEEM vs SPY Performance
SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SEEM returned +41.15% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, SEEM is up 21.71% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -14.0% for SEEM 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEEM charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEEM currently yields 2.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SEEM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 737 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, SEEM or SPY?
SEEM has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEEM or SPY?
Over the past year SEEM returned +41.15% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SEEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SEEM annualized +31.04% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEEM or SPY?
SEEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SEEM -14.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SEEM and SPY?
SEEM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEEM and SPY?
SEEM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 737 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEEM or SPY?
SEEM yields 2.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SEEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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