Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDDVSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.09%
AUM$18M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.62%1.01%
Holdings8505
YTD Return+1.51%+13.79%
1Y Return-+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-2.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDiscipline FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionNov 12, 2025Jan 22, 1993

DDV vs SPY Performance

Defined Duration 5 ETF (DDV) is a ETF from Discipline Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, DDV is up 1.51% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -2.6% for DDV and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DDV charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDV currently yields 1.62% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DDV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, DDV or SPY?

DDV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between DDV and SPY?

DDV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DDV or SPY?

DDV yields 1.62% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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