DGCB vs SPY
Dimensional Global Credit ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGCB offers more diversification with 718 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGCB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,147 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.99% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.08% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DGCB vs SPY Performance
Dimensional Global Credit ETF (DGCB) 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 DGCB returned +3.08% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, DGCB is up 0.99% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.4% for DGCB. 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 -3.1% for DGCB 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGCB charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGCB currently yields 3.98% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DGCB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1221 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, DGCB or SPY?
DGCB has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGCB or SPY?
Over the past year DGCB returned +3.08% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DGCB annualized +7.60% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGCB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.4% for DGCB. Worst drawdown: DGCB -3.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGCB and SPY?
DGCB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGCB and SPY?
DGCB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1221 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGCB or SPY?
DGCB yields 3.98% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DGCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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