DFP vs SPY
Flaherty & Crumrine Dynamic Preferred and Income Fund Inc. vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $459M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.92% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.75% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.41% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.61% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.18% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DFP vs SPY Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Dynamic Preferred and Income Fund Inc. (DFP) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DFP returned +7.41% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, DFP is up 3.75% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, DFP compounded at +13.61% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.18% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +1.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -66.8% for DFP 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
DFP and SPY share 10 holdings out of 679 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, DFP or SPY?
Over the past year DFP returned +7.41% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DFP annualized +1.28% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFP or SPY?
DFP has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DFP -66.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFP and SPY?
DFP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFP and SPY?
DFP and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFP or SPY?
DFP yields 6.92% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DFP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.