DALI vs SPY
First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI Equity 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DALI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $97M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.52% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.60% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.74% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DALI vs SPY Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI Equity ETF (DALI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DALI returned +8.60% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, DALI is up 1.52% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, DALI compounded at +4.56% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.74% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DALI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -36.1% for DALI 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DALI charges 0.90% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $9 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DALI currently yields 0.38% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DALI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 510 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, DALI or SPY?
DALI has an expense ratio of 0.90% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DALI or SPY?
Over the past year DALI returned +8.60% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DALI annualized +5.49% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DALI or SPY?
DALI has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DALI -36.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DALI and SPY?
DALI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DALI and SPY?
DALI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DALI or SPY?
DALI yields 0.38% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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