DEW vs SPY
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DEW delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEW offers more diversification with 676 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $150M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.29% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 690 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.08% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.55% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.24% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DEW vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) 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 DEW returned +27.55% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, DEW is up 18.08% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, DEW compounded at +19.24% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.24% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -69.2% for DEW 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEW charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEW currently yields 3.29% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DEW and SPY share 85 holdings out of 1094 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEW or SPY?
DEW has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEW or SPY?
Over the past year DEW returned +27.55% vs +22.91% for SPY, so DEW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DEW annualized +2.90% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEW or SPY?
DEW has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DEW -69.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DEW and SPY?
DEW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEW and SPY?
DEW and SPY share 85 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1094 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEW or SPY?
DEW yields 3.29% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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