SPY vs WCME
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs First Trust WCM Developing World Equity 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 | WCME | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $36M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.35% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +8.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +19.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 7, 2024 |
SPY vs WCME Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while WCME returned +19.64%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 8.28% for WCME.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WCME has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -15.6% for WCME. 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 WCME 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 0.35% for WCME.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WCME share 0 holdings out of 540 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 WCME?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WCME 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 WCME?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +19.64% for WCME, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +16.77% for WCME. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WCME?
WCME has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WCME -15.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and WCME?
SPY and WCME 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 WCME?
SPY and WCME share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WCME?
SPY yields 1.01% while WCME yields 0.35%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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