EFG vs SPY
EFG vs SPY
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
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 | EFG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $16.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 380 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.43% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.77% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.62% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2005 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EFG vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EFG returned +14.77% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, EFG is up 5.43% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, EFG compounded at +10.10% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.62% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +6.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -58.9% for EFG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFG charges 0.34% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $9 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFG currently yields 2.24% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFG or SPY?
EFG has an expense ratio of 0.34% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFG or SPY?
Over the past year EFG returned +14.77% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), EFG annualized +6.11% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFG or SPY?
EFG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EFG -58.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EFG and SPY?
EFG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFG and SPY?
EFG and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 858 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFG or SPY?
EFG yields 2.24% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EFG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.