DNOV vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November 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 | DNOV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $395M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.06% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.97% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.59% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.42% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DNOV vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DNOV returned +13.97% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, DNOV is up 7.06% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, DNOV compounded at +12.59% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.42% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +8.31%. 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 7.8% for DNOV. 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 -15.0% for DNOV 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DNOV charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DNOV currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DNOV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, DNOV or SPY?
DNOV has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DNOV or SPY?
Over the past year DNOV returned +13.97% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DNOV annualized +8.31% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DNOV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.8% for DNOV. Worst drawdown: DNOV -15.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DNOV and SPY?
DNOV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DNOV and SPY?
DNOV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DNOV or SPY?
DNOV yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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