DISV vs SPY
Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DISV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DISV offers more diversification with 1530 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DISV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.58% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,561 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.97% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.56% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.49% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DISV vs SPY Performance
Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) is a ETF from Dimensional and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DISV returned +29.56% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, DISV is up 14.97% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, DISV compounded at +24.49% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, DISV has the edge at +16.48% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DISV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -26.8% for DISV 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DISV charges 0.42% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $9 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DISV currently yields 2.58% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DISV and SPY share 3 holdings out of 2030 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, DISV or SPY?
DISV has an expense ratio of 0.42% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DISV or SPY?
Over the past year DISV returned +29.56% vs +21.96% for SPY, so DISV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DISV annualized +16.48% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DISV or SPY?
DISV has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DISV -26.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DISV and SPY?
DISV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DISV and SPY?
DISV and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2030 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DISV or SPY?
DISV yields 2.58% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DISV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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