DGLO vs SPY
First Trust RBA Deglobalization ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGLO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 113 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.82% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.04% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 6, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DGLO vs SPY Performance
First Trust RBA Deglobalization ETF (DGLO) 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. Over the past year DGLO returned +21.04% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, DGLO is up 19.82% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.1% for DGLO. 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 -7.7% for DGLO 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGLO charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGLO currently yields 0.49% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DGLO and SPY share 31 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGLO or SPY?
DGLO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGLO or SPY?
Over the past year DGLO returned +21.04% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DGLO annualized +25.16% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGLO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.1% for DGLO. Worst drawdown: DGLO -7.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGLO and SPY?
DGLO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGLO and SPY?
DGLO and SPY share 31 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGLO or SPY?
DGLO yields 0.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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