SPY vs TMFG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF
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 | TMFG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $349M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.27% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 46 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +6.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +5.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +12.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -33.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Motley Fool Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 17, 2014 |
SPY vs TMFG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (TMFG) is a ETF from Motley Fool Asset Management. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while TMFG returned +5.85%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 6.52% for TMFG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +12.40% for TMFG. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +4.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TMFG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -33.7% for TMFG. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TMFG charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $85 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.27% for TMFG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TMFG share 15 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TMFG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TMFG charges 0.85%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TMFG?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +5.85% for TMFG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +4.38% for TMFG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TMFG?
TMFG has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TMFG -33.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and TMFG?
SPY and TMFG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TMFG?
SPY and TMFG share 15 common holdings with a 9.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TMFG?
SPY yields 1.01% while TMFG yields 0.27%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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