DIV vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDIVSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.09%
AUM$787M$789.1B
Dividend Yield6.69%1.01%
Holdings52505
YTD Return+16.56%+13.79%
1Y Return+20.49%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.03%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.54%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)16.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-62.5%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 11, 2013Jan 22, 1993

DIV vs SPY Performance

Global X SuperDividend US ETF (DIV) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIV returned +20.49% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DIV is up 16.56% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, DIV compounded at +12.03% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.54% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -62.5% for DIV 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DIV charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIV currently yields 6.69% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.8%overlap

DIV and SPY share 4 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DIVWeight in SPYDifference
VZ2.02%0.27%1.75%
PFE2.02%0.21%1.81%
UPS2.03%0.13%1.90%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DIV or SPY?

DIV has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DIV or SPY?

Over the past year DIV returned +20.49% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DIV annualized +0.72% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DIV or SPY?

DIV has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DIV -62.5% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both DIV and SPY?

DIV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DIV and SPY?

DIV and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DIV or SPY?

DIV yields 6.69% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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