DIM vs SPY
WisdomTree International MidCap 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. DIM offers more diversification with 594 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $170M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.97% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 594 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.04% | +13.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.70% | +21.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.10% | +22.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.26% | +13.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIM vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree International MidCap Dividend Fund (DIM) 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 DIM returned +18.70% while SPY returned +21.44%. Year to date, DIM is up 12.04% versus a gain of 13.70% for SPY.
Over three years, DIM compounded at +20.10% per year against +22.50% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.26% and +13.24% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +3.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DIM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -64.7% for DIM 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIM 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, DIM currently yields 2.97% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIM or SPY?
DIM 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, DIM or SPY?
Over the past year DIM returned +18.70% vs +21.44% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DIM annualized +3.92% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIM or SPY?
DIM has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DIM -64.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIM and SPY?
DIM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIM and SPY?
DIM and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1080 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIM or SPY?
DIM yields 2.97% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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