DIVZ vs SPY
Polen Dividend Income 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $305M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.28% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.91% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.09% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | TrueShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIVZ vs SPY Performance
Polen Dividend Income ETF (DIVZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIVZ returned +16.91% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, DIVZ is up 8.28% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, DIVZ compounded at +10.09% per year against +22.00% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, DIVZ has the edge at +11.13% annualized vs +8.82%. 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 14.4% for DIVZ. 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 -15.4% for DIVZ 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVZ 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, DIVZ currently yields 2.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DIVZ and SPY share 25 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVZ or SPY?
DIVZ 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, DIVZ or SPY?
Over the past year DIVZ returned +16.91% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DIVZ annualized +11.13% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVZ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for DIVZ. Worst drawdown: DIVZ -15.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIVZ and SPY?
DIVZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVZ and SPY?
DIVZ and SPY share 25 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVZ or SPY?
DIVZ yields 2.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIVZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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