DGJA vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDGJASPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.09%
AUM$5M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings7505
YTD Return+5.82%+13.68%
1Y Return-+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-3.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 16, 2026Jan 22, 1993

DGJA vs SPY Performance

FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF - January (DGJA) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, DGJA is up 5.82% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.8% for DGJA and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DGJA charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGJA currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DGJA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, DGJA or SPY?

DGJA has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between DGJA and SPY?

DGJA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DGJA or SPY?

DGJA yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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