DIAL vs SPY
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. DIAL offers more diversification with 686 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIAL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $390M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 686 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.86% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.15% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.36% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIAL vs SPY Performance
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, DIAL is up 0.86% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, DIAL compounded at +6.15% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.36% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.4% for DIAL. 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 -22.2% for DIAL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIAL charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIAL currently yields 5.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DIAL and SPY share 1 holdings out of 917 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DIAL | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMS | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIAL or SPY?
DIAL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIAL or SPY?
Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DIAL annualized +1.21% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIAL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.4% for DIAL. Worst drawdown: DIAL -22.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIAL and SPY?
DIAL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIAL and SPY?
DIAL and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 917 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIAL or SPY?
DIAL yields 5.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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