MERFX vs. SPY
Compare and contrast key facts about The Merger Fund (MERFX) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY).
MERFX is managed by Virtus. It was launched on Jan 30, 1989. SPY is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index. It was launched on Jan 22, 1993.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: MERFX or SPY.
Correlation
The correlation between MERFX and SPY is 0.44, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Performance
MERFX vs. SPY - Performance Comparison
Key characteristics
MERFX:
1.13
SPY:
1.88
MERFX:
1.47
SPY:
2.53
MERFX:
1.24
SPY:
1.35
MERFX:
1.54
SPY:
2.83
MERFX:
5.03
SPY:
11.74
MERFX:
0.68%
SPY:
2.02%
MERFX:
3.02%
SPY:
12.64%
MERFX:
-19.73%
SPY:
-55.19%
MERFX:
-0.46%
SPY:
-0.42%
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MERFX achieves a 1.69% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 4.15% return. Over the past 10 years, MERFX has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 1.87%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 13.18% annualized return.
MERFX
1.69%
0.87%
1.29%
3.66%
1.30%
1.87%
SPY
4.15%
1.22%
10.44%
24.34%
14.62%
13.18%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
MERFX vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison
MERFX has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
MERFX vs. SPY — Risk-Adjusted Performance Rank
MERFX
SPY
MERFX vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Merger Fund (MERFX) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Dividends
MERFX vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison
MERFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.74%, more than SPY's 1.16% yield.
| TTM | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MERFX The Merger Fund | 1.74% | 1.77% | 2.59% | 0.81% | 0.00% | 0.73% | 0.29% | 1.13% | 0.59% | 0.32% | 0.81% | 2.53% |
SPY SPDR S&P 500 ETF | 1.16% | 1.21% | 1.40% | 1.65% | 1.20% | 1.52% | 1.75% | 2.04% | 1.80% | 2.03% | 2.06% | 1.87% |
Drawdowns
MERFX vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MERFX drawdown since its inception was -19.73%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MERFX and SPY. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
MERFX vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for The Merger Fund (MERFX) is 0.86%, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has a volatility of 2.93%. This indicates that MERFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.