DECU vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDECUSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.09%
AUM$53M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings4505
YTD Return+9.58%+13.75%
1Y Return+15.80%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)8.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-10.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 29, 2024Jan 22, 1993

DECU vs SPY Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DECU returned +15.80% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, DECU is up 9.58% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.4% for DECU. 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 -10.7% for DECU 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DECU charges 0.74% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $9 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECU currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DECU or SPY?

DECU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DECU or SPY?

Over the past year DECU returned +15.80% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECU annualized +11.19% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DECU or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.4% for DECU. Worst drawdown: DECU -10.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both DECU and SPY?

DECU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, DECU or SPY?

DECU yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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