SPY vs TDEC
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $14M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +8.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +18.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 7.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -10.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 20, 2024 |
SPY vs TDEC Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - December (TDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while TDEC returned +18.34%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 8.53% for TDEC.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.9% for TDEC. 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 -10.3% for TDEC. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TDEC charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $95 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for TDEC.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TDEC share 0 holdings out of 504 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 TDEC?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TDEC charges 0.95%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TDEC?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +18.34% for TDEC, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +18.99% for TDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TDEC?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.9% for TDEC. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TDEC -10.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and TDEC?
SPY and TDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TDEC?
SPY and TDEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TDEC?
SPY yields 1.01% while TDEC yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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