SPY vs TMFS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TMFS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $60M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +5.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | +5.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +8.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | -0.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 23.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Motley Fool Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 30, 2018 |
SPY vs TMFS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (TMFS) is a ETF from Motley Fool Asset Management. Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while TMFS returned +5.36%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 5.00% for TMFS.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +8.66% for TMFS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and -0.40% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, TMFS has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TMFS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% 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 -48.8% for TMFS. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TMFS 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 0.00% for TMFS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TMFS share 0 holdings out of 536 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 TMFS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TMFS 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 TMFS?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs +5.36% for TMFS, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +9.04% for TMFS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TMFS?
TMFS has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TMFS -48.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and TMFS?
SPY and TMFS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TMFS?
SPY and TMFS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TMFS?
SPY yields 1.01% while TMFS yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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