DIVL vs SPY
Madison Dividend Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $63M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.78% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.97% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.26% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.18% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Madison Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 14, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIVL vs SPY Performance
Madison Dividend Value ETF (DIVL) is a ETF from Madison Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIVL returned +16.26% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, DIVL is up 11.97% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, DIVL compounded at +11.18% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, DIVL has the edge at +11.18% annualized vs +8.84%. 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 11.8% for DIVL. 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 -14.1% for DIVL 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVL charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVL currently yields 1.78% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DIVL and SPY share 38 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVL or SPY?
DIVL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVL or SPY?
Over the past year DIVL returned +16.26% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DIVL annualized +11.18% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.8% for DIVL. Worst drawdown: DIVL -14.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIVL and SPY?
DIVL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVL and SPY?
DIVL and SPY share 38 common holdings with a 11.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVL or SPY?
DIVL yields 1.78% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIVL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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