AGD vs SPY
Abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $326M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.71% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.01% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.24% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.22% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 26, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AGD vs SPY Performance
Abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund (AGD) is a ETF from Aberdeen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AGD returned +21.24% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, AGD is up 14.01% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, AGD compounded at +22.08% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.22% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -3.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.7% 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 -88.3% for AGD 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGD charges 1.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $135 vs $9 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGD currently yields 11.71% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AGD and SPY share 41 holdings out of 548 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGD or SPY?
AGD has an expense ratio of 1.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGD or SPY?
Over the past year AGD returned +21.24% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), AGD annualized -3.22% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGD or SPY?
AGD has been the more volatile fund at 23.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AGD -88.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AGD and SPY?
AGD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGD and SPY?
AGD and SPY share 41 common holdings with a 20.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGD or SPY?
AGD yields 11.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.