DDIV vs SPY
DDIV vs SPY
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DDIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DDIV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $76M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.65% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.04% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.24% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.54% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DDIV vs SPY Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF (DDIV) 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 DDIV returned +25.04% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DDIV is up 12.65% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DDIV compounded at +20.24% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.54% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DDIV has the edge at +9.98% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DDIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -47.5% for DDIV 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DDIV charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDIV currently yields 1.61% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DDIV and SPY share 35 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DDIV | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM | 3.43% | 0.44% | 2.99% |
| EIX | 3.74% | 0.04% | 3.70% |
| USB | 3.39% | 0.15% | 3.24% |
| IVZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DDIV shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DDIV or SPY?
DDIV has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DDIV or SPY?
Over the past year DDIV returned +25.04% vs +23.66% for SPY, so DDIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DDIV annualized +9.98% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DDIV or SPY?
DDIV has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DDIV -47.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DDIV and SPY?
DDIV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DDIV and SPY?
DDIV and SPY share 35 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DDIV or SPY?
DDIV yields 1.61% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DDIV 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.