SPY vs TXUE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Thornburg International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TXUE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TXUE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $814.4B | $558M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +12.10% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.30% | +22.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.82% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.53% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Thornburg Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 22, 2025 |
SPY vs TXUE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Thornburg International Equity ETF (TXUE) is a ETF from Thornburg Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +20.30% while TXUE returned +22.30%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.10% versus a gain of 13.82% for TXUE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.0% for TXUE. 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 -13.0% for TXUE. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TXUE charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $65 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.94% for TXUE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TXUE share 13 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TXUE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TXUE charges 0.65%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TXUE?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.30% vs +22.30% for TXUE, so TXUE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.78% vs +25.51% for TXUE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TXUE?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.0% for TXUE. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TXUE -13.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and TXUE?
SPY and TXUE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TXUE?
SPY and TXUE share 13 common holdings with a 17.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TXUE?
SPY yields 1.01% while TXUE yields 0.94%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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