TMFG vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TMFG (Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TMFG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Motley Fool, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. TMFG is actively managed, while SPY is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TMFG returned 12.08%/yr vs 21.27%/yr for SPY. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TMFG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

TMFG vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (TMFG) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TMFG achieves a 1.05% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 9.74% return.

TMFG

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: -1.21%
• YTD: 1.05%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 4.06%
• 3Y*: 12.08%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPY

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 9.74%
• 6M: 9.27%
• 1Y: 26.65%
• 3Y*: 21.27%
• 5Y*: 13.51%
• 10Y*: 15.70%

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

TMFG vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
TMFG Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF	1.05%	6.75%	15.45%	28.36%	-28.17%	1.91%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	9.74%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	1.25%

Correlation

The correlation between TMFG and SPY is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2021	0.87

The correlation between TMFG and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

TMFG vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TMFG	SPY
Industrials	20.9%	7.8%
Financial Services	18.3%	11.1%
Communication Services	13.8%	10.6%
Technology	12.7%	39.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	9.9%
Real Estate	8.7%	1.8%
Healthcare	6.4%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	4.5%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.7%
Energy	-	3.1%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

TMFG vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

TMFG

TMFG Risk / Return Rank: 12
TMFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
TMFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
TMFG Omega Ratio Rank: 11
TMFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
TMFG Martin Ratio Rank: 14

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 68
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 68
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

TMFG vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (TMFG) and State Street 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.

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.

	TMFG	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.30	2.16	-1.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.52	2.91	-2.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.39	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.35	3.01	-2.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.17	13.54	-12.37

TMFG vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TMFG Sharpe Ratio is 0.30, which is lower than the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TMFG and SPY, 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

TMFG vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TMFG drawdown since its inception was -33.66%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TMFG and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	TMFG	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.66%	-55.19%	+21.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.81%	-8.88%	-2.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.60%	-18.76%	+2.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.50%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-1.75%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-9.04%	-1.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	1.97%	+1.51%

Volatility

TMFG vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (TMFG) is 4.08%, while State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has a volatility of 4.64%. This indicates that TMFG 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.

Volatility by Period

	TMFG	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.08%	4.64%	-0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.56%	9.75%	+0.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.49%	12.43%	+1.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.59%	17.14%	+1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.59%	17.99%	+0.60%

TMFG vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

TMFG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TMFG vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

TMFG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than SPY's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.01%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%
TMFG Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF	0.27%	0.27%	13.94%	5.42%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TMFG and SPY in my portfolio?

TMFG and SPY have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TMFG or SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.64%) compared to TMFG (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TMFG dropped -33.66% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, TMFG or SPY?

On 3-year performance, SPY leads with 21.27% vs 12.08% for TMFG. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, TMFG has been the lower-risk option at 4.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TMFG or SPY?

Over the 3-year period, SPY has performed better with a 21.27% return vs 12.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TMFG or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for TMFG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TMFG or SPY?

SPY has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.27% for TMFG.

What is the main difference between TMFG and SPY?

TMFG is categorized as Global Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Motley Fool and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for TMFG and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 0.30), 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.