DMO vs SPY
Western Asset Mortgage Opportunity Fund Inc. 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 | DMO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.10% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $128M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.24% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 396 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.66% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.78% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 24, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DMO vs SPY Performance
Western Asset Mortgage Opportunity Fund Inc. (DMO) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DMO returned +0.78% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, DMO is up 3.66% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, DMO compounded at +12.22% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.51% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -0.05%. 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 14.5% for DMO. 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 -60.2% for DMO 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMO charges 2.10% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $210 vs $9 annually, a gap of $201 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DMO currently yields 13.24% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DMO and SPY share 0 holdings out of 529 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, DMO or SPY?
DMO has an expense ratio of 2.10% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $201 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DMO or SPY?
Over the past year DMO returned +0.78% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), DMO annualized -0.05% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DMO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for DMO. Worst drawdown: DMO -60.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DMO and SPY?
DMO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DMO and SPY?
DMO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMO or SPY?
DMO yields 13.24% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DMO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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