DBEU vs SPY
Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DBEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBEU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $800M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 410 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.54% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.49% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.69% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.66% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DBEU vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (DBEU) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DBEU returned +22.49% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, DBEU is up 12.54% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, DBEU compounded at +17.69% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.66% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, DBEU has the edge at +9.90% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.7% for DBEU. 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 -34.5% for DBEU 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
DBEU 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, DBEU currently yields 1.40% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DBEU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 903 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, DBEU or SPY?
DBEU 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, DBEU or SPY?
Over the past year DBEU returned +22.49% vs +20.62% for SPY, so DBEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DBEU annualized +9.90% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBEU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.7% for DBEU. Worst drawdown: DBEU -34.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DBEU and SPY?
DBEU 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 DBEU and SPY?
DBEU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBEU or SPY?
DBEU yields 1.40% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DBEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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