DGRS vs SPY
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DGRS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGRS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $407M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 200 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.36% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.58% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.51% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 25, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DGRS vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRS) 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 DGRS returned +30.58% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, DGRS is up 23.36% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, DGRS compounded at +15.08% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.51% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +8.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DGRS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -45.7% for DGRS 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGRS charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRS currently yields 2.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DGRS and SPY share 1 holdings out of 702 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DGRS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSX | 0.38% | 0.11% | 0.27% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGRS or SPY?
DGRS has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGRS or SPY?
Over the past year DGRS returned +30.58% vs +22.52% for SPY, so DGRS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DGRS annualized +8.34% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGRS or SPY?
DGRS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DGRS -45.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGRS and SPY?
DGRS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGRS and SPY?
DGRS and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 702 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGRS or SPY?
DGRS yields 2.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DGRS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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