DEEF vs SPY
Xtrackers FTSE Developed ex US Multifactor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DEEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEEF offers more diversification with 1,244 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEEF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $57M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,244 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.39% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.75% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.02% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.25% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DEEF vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers FTSE Developed ex US Multifactor ETF (DEEF) 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 DEEF returned +21.75% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, DEEF is up 14.39% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, DEEF compounded at +19.02% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +6.62%. 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 15.0% for DEEF. 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 -40.6% for DEEF 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEEF charges 0.24% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $9 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEEF currently yields 3.38% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DEEF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1732 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, DEEF or SPY?
DEEF has an expense ratio of 0.24% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEEF or SPY?
Over the past year DEEF returned +21.75% vs +21.71% for SPY, so DEEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), DEEF annualized +6.62% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEEF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for DEEF. Worst drawdown: DEEF -40.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DEEF and SPY?
DEEF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEEF and SPY?
DEEF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1732 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEEF or SPY?
DEEF yields 3.38% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DEEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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