SPY vs TEMX
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Touchstone Sands Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TEMX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.80% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $12M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.84% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +17.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +31.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 21.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -16.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Touchstone Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 24, 2025 |
SPY vs TEMX Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Touchstone Sands Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF (TEMX) is a ETF from Touchstone Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while TEMX returned +31.81%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 17.37% for TEMX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -16.8% for TEMX. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TEMX charges 0.80%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $80 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.84% for TEMX.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TEMX share 0 holdings out of 545 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 TEMX?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TEMX charges 0.80%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TEMX?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +31.81% for TEMX, so TEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +28.71% for TEMX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TEMX?
TEMX has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TEMX -16.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and TEMX?
SPY and TEMX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TEMX?
SPY and TEMX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TEMX?
SPY yields 1.01% while TEMX yields 0.84%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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