BGDV vs SPY
Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BGDV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BGDV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $831M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.04% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.07% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Bahl & Gaynor | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BGDV vs SPY Performance
Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF (BGDV) is a ETF from Bahl & Gaynor and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BGDV returned +22.07% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BGDV is up 14.04% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.4% for BGDV. 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 -14.8% for BGDV 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGDV charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGDV currently yields 0.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BGDV and SPY share 40 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGDV or SPY?
BGDV has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGDV or SPY?
Over the past year BGDV returned +22.07% vs +21.53% for SPY, so BGDV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BGDV annualized +15.88% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGDV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.4% for BGDV. Worst drawdown: BGDV -14.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BGDV and SPY?
BGDV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGDV and SPY?
BGDV and SPY share 40 common holdings with a 21.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGDV or SPY?
BGDV yields 0.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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