DEM vs SPY
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEM offers more diversification with 518 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 518 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.62% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.58% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.71% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DEM vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund (DEM) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DEM returned +23.58% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, DEM is up 17.62% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, DEM compounded at +17.71% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +1.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -57.0% for DEM 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEM charges 0.63% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $9 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEM currently yields 4.19% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DEM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1005 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, DEM or SPY?
DEM has an expense ratio of 0.63% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEM or SPY?
Over the past year DEM returned +23.58% vs +21.71% for SPY, so DEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DEM annualized +1.79% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEM or SPY?
DEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DEM -57.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DEM and SPY?
DEM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEM and SPY?
DEM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1005 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEM or SPY?
DEM yields 4.19% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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