DFAW vs SPY
DFAW vs SPY
Dimensional World Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DFAW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.60% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.85% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DFAW vs SPY Performance
Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) is a ETF from Dimensional and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DFAW returned +26.85% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DFAW is up 15.60% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.1% for DFAW. 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 -16.9% for DFAW 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAW 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, DFAW currently yields 1.23% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DFAW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 508 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, DFAW or SPY?
DFAW 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, DFAW or SPY?
Over the past year DFAW returned +26.85% vs +23.66% for SPY, so DFAW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DFAW annualized +22.91% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.1% for DFAW. Worst drawdown: DFAW -16.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFAW and SPY?
DFAW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAW and SPY?
DFAW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAW or SPY?
DFAW yields 1.23% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DFAW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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