DGS vs SPY
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGS offers more diversification with 1,009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.93% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.77% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.30% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.00% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.05% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DGS vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) 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 DGS returned +17.30% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, DGS is up 11.77% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, DGS compounded at +14.00% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.05% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +2.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -61.9% for DGS 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGS charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGS currently yields 3.93% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DGS and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1458 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 DGS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAL | 0.05% | 0.09% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGS or SPY?
DGS has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGS or SPY?
Over the past year DGS returned +17.30% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DGS annualized +2.24% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGS or SPY?
DGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DGS -61.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGS and SPY?
DGS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGS and SPY?
DGS and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1458 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGS or SPY?
DGS yields 3.93% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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