DIVS vs SPY
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder 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 | DIVS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $40M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.34% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.60% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.25% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.94% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIVS vs SPY Performance
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) is a ETF from SmartETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, DIVS is up 14.34% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, DIVS compounded at +14.25% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.94% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DIVS has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 12.9% for DIVS. 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 -20.7% for DIVS 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
DIVS charges 0.46% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $9 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVS currently yields 2.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DIVS and SPY share 20 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVS or SPY?
DIVS has an expense ratio of 0.46% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVS or SPY?
Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DIVS annualized +11.39% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for DIVS. Worst drawdown: DIVS -20.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIVS and SPY?
DIVS 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 DIVS and SPY?
DIVS and SPY share 20 common holdings with a 11.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVS or SPY?
DIVS yields 2.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIVS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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