EHI vs SPY
EHI vs SPY
Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc 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 | EHI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.89% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $193M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.92% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 398 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.18% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.44% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.07% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.10% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2003 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EHI vs SPY Performance
Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc (EHI) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EHI returned +0.44% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, EHI is down 2.18% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, EHI compounded at +5.07% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.10% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs -1.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EHI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -66.1% for EHI 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EHI charges 1.89% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $189 vs $9 annually, a gap of $180 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EHI currently yields 12.92% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EHI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 762 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, EHI or SPY?
EHI has an expense ratio of 1.89% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $180 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EHI or SPY?
Over the past year EHI returned +0.44% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), EHI annualized -1.38% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EHI or SPY?
EHI has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EHI -66.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EHI and SPY?
EHI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EHI and SPY?
EHI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 762 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EHI or SPY?
EHI yields 12.92% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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