SEIS vs SPY
SEI Select Small Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SEIS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEIS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $574M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 346 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.02% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.50% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 8, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SEIS vs SPY Performance
SEI Select Small Cap ETF (SEIS) 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 SEIS returned +23.50% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, SEIS is up 19.02% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% 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 -25.7% for SEIS 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEIS charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEIS currently yields 0.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SEIS and SPY share 10 holdings out of 858 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEIS or SPY?
SEIS has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEIS or SPY?
Over the past year SEIS returned +23.50% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SEIS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SEIS annualized +17.27% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEIS or SPY?
SEIS has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SEIS -25.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SEIS and SPY?
SEIS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEIS and SPY?
SEIS and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 858 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEIS or SPY?
SEIS yields 0.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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