DOL vs SPY
WisdomTree True Developed International Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DOL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $855M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 297 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.08% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.32% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.04% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DOL vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree True Developed International Fund (DOL) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DOL returned +26.32% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, DOL is up 16.08% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, DOL compounded at +22.04% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.77% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +3.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -63.9% for DOL 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DOL charges 0.51% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $9 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DOL currently yields 2.44% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DOL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 798 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, DOL or SPY?
DOL has an expense ratio of 0.51% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DOL or SPY?
Over the past year DOL returned +26.32% vs +20.62% for SPY, so DOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DOL annualized +3.12% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DOL or SPY?
DOL has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DOL -63.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DOL and SPY?
DOL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DOL and SPY?
DOL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DOL or SPY?
DOL yields 2.44% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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