SPY vs STXE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. STXE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | STXE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.32% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $138M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.87% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 222 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +30.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +56.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +25.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -20.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Strive Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 31, 2023 |
SPY vs STXE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) is a ETF from Strive Asset Management. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while STXE returned +56.10%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 30.77% for STXE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +25.87% for STXE. Across the full 4-year window we track, STXE has the edge at +22.75% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STXE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -20.4% for STXE. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while STXE charges 0.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $32 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.87% for STXE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and STXE share 0 holdings out of 695 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, SPY or STXE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while STXE charges 0.32%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or STXE?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +56.10% for STXE, so STXE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +22.75% for STXE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or STXE?
STXE has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs STXE -20.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and STXE?
SPY and STXE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and STXE?
SPY and STXE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 695 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or STXE?
SPY yields 1.01% while STXE yields 1.87%, so STXE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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