DEEP vs SPY
DEEP vs SPY
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DEEP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEEP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $28M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.84% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.05% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.25% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Acquirers Funds, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DEEP vs SPY Performance
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF (DEEP) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DEEP is up 23.84% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DEEP compounded at +9.40% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.25% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -56.4% for DEEP 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEEP charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEEP currently yields 1.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DEEP and SPY share 0 holdings out of 605 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, DEEP or SPY?
DEEP has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEEP or SPY?
Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% vs +23.66% for SPY, so DEEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DEEP annualized +5.73% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEEP or SPY?
DEEP has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DEEP -56.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DEEP and SPY?
DEEP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEEP and SPY?
DEEP and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEEP or SPY?
DEEP yields 1.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DEEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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