AADR vs SPY
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AADR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $38M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -3.51% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.01% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.70% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.23% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AADR vs SPY Performance
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF (AADR) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AADR returned +3.01% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, AADR is down 3.51% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, AADR compounded at +19.70% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.23% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +8.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AADR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -45.6% for AADR 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AADR charges 1.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $9 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AADR currently yields 0.84% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AADR and SPY share 0 holdings out of 541 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, AADR or SPY?
AADR has an expense ratio of 1.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AADR or SPY?
Over the past year AADR returned +3.01% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AADR annualized +8.45% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AADR or SPY?
AADR has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AADR -45.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AADR and SPY?
AADR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AADR and SPY?
AADR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AADR or SPY?
AADR yields 0.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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