DGRE vs SPY
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DGRE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGRE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $149M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 272 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.03% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.09% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.51% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.98% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DGRE vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DGRE returned +45.09% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, DGRE is up 26.03% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, DGRE compounded at +23.51% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +4.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DGRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -40.0% for DGRE 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGRE charges 0.32% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $9 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRE currently yields 1.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DGRE and SPY share 0 holdings out of 773 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, DGRE or SPY?
DGRE has an expense ratio of 0.32% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGRE or SPY?
Over the past year DGRE returned +45.09% vs +21.53% for SPY, so DGRE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DGRE annualized +4.52% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGRE or SPY?
DGRE has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DGRE -40.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGRE and SPY?
DGRE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGRE and SPY?
DGRE and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 773 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGRE or SPY?
DGRE yields 1.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DGRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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