SPY vs TMAR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - March
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TMAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $14M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +14.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +22.09% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 7.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -9.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 21, 2025 |
SPY vs TMAR 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 - March (TMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while TMAR returned +22.09%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 14.55% for TMAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.5% for TMAR. 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 -9.9% for TMAR. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TMAR 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 TMAR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TMAR 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 TMAR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TMAR 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 TMAR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +22.09% for TMAR, so TMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +22.13% for TMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TMAR?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.5% for TMAR. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TMAR -9.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and TMAR?
SPY and TMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TMAR?
SPY and TMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TMAR?
SPY yields 1.01% while TMAR yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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