DIEM vs SPY
Franklin Emerging Market Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DIEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. DIEM offers more diversification with 604 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIEM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $93M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 604 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.14% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.44% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.50% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.24% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 1, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIEM vs SPY Performance
Franklin Emerging Market Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF (DIEM) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIEM returned +42.44% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, DIEM is up 26.14% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, DIEM compounded at +27.50% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.24% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +7.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DIEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -44.4% for DIEM 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
DIEM charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIEM currently yields 2.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DIEM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1011 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, DIEM or SPY?
DIEM has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIEM or SPY?
Over the past year DIEM returned +42.44% vs +21.82% for SPY, so DIEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DIEM annualized +7.37% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIEM or SPY?
DIEM has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DIEM -44.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIEM and SPY?
DIEM 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 DIEM and SPY?
DIEM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1011 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIEM or SPY?
DIEM yields 2.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.