SEIE vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SEIE (SEI Select International Equity ETF) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. SEIE is actively managed, while SPDW is passively managed. Over the past year, SEIE returned 29.43% vs 35.21% for SPDW. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEIE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

SEIE vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Select International Equity ETF (SEIE) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEIE achieves a 10.50% return, which is significantly lower than SPDW's 16.78% return.

SEIE

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 10.50%
• 6M: 10.86%
• 1Y: 29.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPDW

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 3.29%
• YTD: 16.78%
• 6M: 17.39%
• 1Y: 35.21%
• 3Y*: 20.66%
• 5Y*: 10.16%
• 10Y*: 10.97%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SEIE vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SEIE SEI Select International Equity ETF	10.50%	39.84%	-4.80%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	16.78%	34.75%	-6.25%

Correlation

The correlation between SEIE and SPDW is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2024	0.92

The correlation between SEIE and SPDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEIE vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SEIE

SEIE Risk / Return Rank: 57
SEIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SEIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SEIE Omega Ratio Rank: 59
SEIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SEIE Martin Ratio Rank: 55

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 67
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 66

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SEIE vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Select International Equity ETF (SEIE) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SEIE	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.15	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	2.94	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.39	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	3.06	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.22	11.85	-2.62

SEIE vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEIE Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEIE and SPDW, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SEIE vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEIE drawdown since its inception was -13.59%, smaller than the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEIE and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEIE	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.59%	-60.02%	+46.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.33%	-11.55%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.53%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.98%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.14%	-12.88%	+10.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	2.98%	+0.22%

Volatility

SEIE vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Select International Equity ETF (SEIE) is 4.44%, while SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) has a volatility of 6.31%. This indicates that SEIE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEIE	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	6.31%	-1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.69%	14.25%	-1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.07%	16.46%	-1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.48%	16.65%	-0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.48%	17.28%	-0.80%

SEIE vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEIE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEIE vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

SEIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than SPDW's 4.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SEIE SEI Select International Equity ETF	2.27%	2.29%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	4.28%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEIE and SPDW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, SEIE and SPDW move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SEIE or SPDW?

SPDW has higher volatility (6.31%) compared to SEIE (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEIE dropped -13.59% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which ETF is better, SEIE or SPDW?

On 1-year performance, SPDW leads with 35.21% vs 29.43% for SEIE. On fees, SPDW is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SEIE has been the lower-risk option at 4.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEIE or SPDW?

Over the 1-year period, SPDW has performed better with a 35.21% return vs 29.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEIE or SPDW?

SPDW is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SEIE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEIE or SPDW?

SPDW has the higher dividend yield at 4.28%, compared with 2.27% for SEIE.

What is the main difference between SEIE and SPDW?

They also come from different issuers: SEI and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SEIE and 0.04% for SPDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPDW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.97), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.