DAPP vs SPY
VanEck Digital Transformation 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 | DAPP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $242M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.42% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.56% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.20% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 76.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -91.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DAPP vs SPY Performance
VanEck Digital Transformation ETF (DAPP) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DAPP returned +5.42% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DAPP is down 0.62% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DAPP compounded at +34.56% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -7.20% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -8.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DAPP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 76.8% 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 -91.9% for DAPP 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAPP charges 0.52% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $9 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAPP currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAPP or SPY?
DAPP has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAPP or SPY?
Over the past year DAPP returned +5.42% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DAPP annualized -8.97% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAPP or SPY?
DAPP has been the more volatile fund at 76.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DAPP -91.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DAPP and SPY?
DAPP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DAPP and SPY?
DAPP and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAPP or SPY?
DAPP yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY 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.