HEFA vs SPY
HEFA vs SPY
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. HEFA delivered stronger 1-year returns. HEFA offers more diversification with 648 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEFA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.95% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 786 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.94% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.77% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.09% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.29% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HEFA vs SPY Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) 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 HEFA returned +22.77% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, HEFA is up 10.94% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, HEFA compounded at +17.09% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.29% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, HEFA has the edge at +9.59% annualized vs +8.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.3% for HEFA. 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 -45.6% for HEFA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEFA charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEFA currently yields 2.95% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HEFA and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1150 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HEFA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.09% | 0.48% | 0.39% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEFA or SPY?
HEFA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEFA or SPY?
Over the past year HEFA returned +22.77% vs +19.50% for SPY, so HEFA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), HEFA annualized +9.59% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEFA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.3% for HEFA. Worst drawdown: HEFA -45.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HEFA and SPY?
HEFA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HEFA and SPY?
HEFA and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1150 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEFA or SPY?
HEFA yields 2.95% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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