SPY vs WTPI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs WisdomTree Equity Premium Income Fund
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 | WTPI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.44% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $491M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 12.25% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +6.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +15.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +13.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +9.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 10.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 24, 2016 |
SPY vs WTPI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and WisdomTree Equity Premium Income Fund (WTPI) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while WTPI returned +15.81%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 6.56% for WTPI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +13.55% for WTPI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +9.57% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.7% for WTPI. 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 -32.3% for WTPI. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WTPI charges 0.44%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $44 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 12.25% for WTPI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WTPI share 0 holdings out of 505 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 WTPI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WTPI charges 0.44%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WTPI?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +15.81% for WTPI, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +7.04% for WTPI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WTPI?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.7% for WTPI. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WTPI -32.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and WTPI?
SPY and WTPI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WTPI?
SPY and WTPI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WTPI?
SPY yields 1.01% while WTPI yields 12.25%, so WTPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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