EDF vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEDFSPYWinner
Expense Ratio2.56%0.09%
AUM$162M$789.1B
Dividend Yield14.31%1.01%
Holdings104505
YTD Return+13.37%+11.49%
1Y Return+17.50%+21.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.81%+20.76%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.38%+12.94%
Volatility (annualized)25.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-83.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 23, 2010Jan 22, 1993

EDF vs SPY Performance

Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund (EDF) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EDF returned +17.50% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, EDF is up 13.37% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.

Over three years, EDF compounded at +18.81% per year against +20.76% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.38% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs -5.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EDF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% 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 -83.8% for EDF and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EDF charges 2.56% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $256 vs $9 annually, a gap of $247 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDF currently yields 14.31% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EDF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 542 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, EDF or SPY?

EDF has an expense ratio of 2.56% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $247 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EDF or SPY?

Over the past year EDF returned +17.50% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EDF annualized -5.02% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EDF or SPY?

EDF has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EDF -83.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both EDF and SPY?

EDF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EDF and SPY?

EDF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EDF or SPY?

EDF yields 14.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EDF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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