AOD vs SPY
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AOD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.92% | +12.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.46% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.55% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +12.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AOD vs SPY Performance
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD) 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 AOD returned +32.46% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, AOD is up 18.92% versus a gain of 12.60% for SPY.
Over three years, AOD compounded at +23.55% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +12.56% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -4.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AOD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% 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 -88.1% for AOD 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
AOD charges 1.16% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $9 annually, a gap of $107 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOD currently yields 11.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AOD and SPY share 40 holdings out of 551 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOD or SPY?
AOD has an expense ratio of 1.16% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $107 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOD or SPY?
Over the past year AOD returned +32.46% vs +20.83% for SPY, so AOD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), AOD annualized -4.00% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOD or SPY?
AOD has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AOD -88.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AOD and SPY?
AOD 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 AOD and SPY?
AOD and SPY share 40 common holdings with a 23.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 551 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOD or SPY?
AOD yields 11.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AOD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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