DSI vs SPY
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DSI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 407 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.23% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +20.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.52% | +21.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +12.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DSI vs SPY Performance
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF (DSI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DSI returned +21.79% while SPY returned +20.53%. Year to date, DSI is up 14.23% versus a gain of 12.71% for SPY.
Over three years, DSI compounded at +21.52% per year against +21.60% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +12.79% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, DSI has the edge at +9.64% annualized vs +8.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -55.1% for DSI 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSI charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSI currently yields 0.88% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DSI and SPY share 271 holdings out of 635 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSI or SPY?
DSI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSI or SPY?
Over the past year DSI returned +21.79% vs +20.53% for SPY, so DSI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DSI annualized +9.64% vs +8.80% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSI or SPY?
DSI has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DSI -55.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DSI and SPY?
DSI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DSI and SPY?
DSI and SPY share 271 common holdings with a 52.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSI or SPY?
DSI yields 0.88% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.