EFV vs SPY
EFV vs SPY
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EFV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $28.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.78% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 427 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.38% | +11.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.46% | +21.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.62% | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2005 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EFV vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) 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 EFV returned +29.46% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, EFV is up 12.38% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.
Over three years, EFV compounded at +22.06% per year against +20.76% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.62% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +6.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.2% 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 -74.5% for EFV 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFV charges 0.31% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $9 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFV currently yields 4.78% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFV or SPY?
EFV has an expense ratio of 0.31% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFV or SPY?
Over the past year EFV returned +29.46% vs +21.37% for SPY, so EFV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), EFV annualized +6.26% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFV or SPY?
EFV has been the more volatile fund at 36.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EFV -74.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EFV and SPY?
EFV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFV and SPY?
EFV and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFV or SPY?
EFV yields 4.78% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EFV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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