SPY vs WEEI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WEEI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WEEI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $101M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 12.19% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | +13.21% | +22.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.87% | +29.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.74% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -18.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Westwood Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 30, 2024 |
SPY vs WEEI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI) is a ETF from Westwood Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% while WEEI returned +29.10%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.21% versus a gain of 22.19% for WEEI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WEEI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -18.8% for WEEI. 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WEEI 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 12.19% for WEEI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WEEI share 19 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WEEI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WEEI 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 WEEI?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% vs +29.10% for WEEI, so WEEI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +14.30% for WEEI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WEEI?
WEEI has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WEEI -18.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and WEEI?
SPY and WEEI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WEEI?
SPY and WEEI share 19 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WEEI?
SPY yields 1.01% while WEEI yields 12.19%, so WEEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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