SPY vs WTRE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate Fund
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 | WTRE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.58% | |
| AUM | $814.4B | $15M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.36% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 69 | |
| YTD Return | +12.10% | +7.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.30% | +16.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.82% | +13.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.53% | -0.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 21.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -75.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 5, 2007 |
SPY vs WTRE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate Fund (WTRE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +20.30% while WTRE returned +16.28%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.10% versus a gain of 7.67% for WTRE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +20.82% per year against +13.60% for WTRE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.53% and -0.51% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs -3.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WTRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -75.9% for WTRE. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WTRE charges 0.58%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $58 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.36% for WTRE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WTRE share 9 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WTRE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WTRE charges 0.58%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WTRE?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.30% vs +16.28% for WTRE, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPY annualized +8.78% vs -3.37% for WTRE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WTRE?
WTRE has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WTRE -75.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and WTRE?
SPY and WTRE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WTRE?
SPY and WTRE share 9 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WTRE?
SPY yields 1.01% while WTRE yields 2.36%, so WTRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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