DSTL vs SPY
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DSTL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSTL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.54% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.82% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.81% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.16% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Distillate Capital Etfs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DSTL vs SPY Performance
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTL) is a ETF from Distillate Capital Etfs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DSTL returned +22.82% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, DSTL is up 15.54% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, DSTL compounded at +14.81% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.16% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DSTL has the edge at +15.01% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSTL 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 -33.1% for DSTL 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSTL charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSTL currently yields 1.25% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DSTL and SPY share 72 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSTL or SPY?
DSTL has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSTL or SPY?
Over the past year DSTL returned +22.82% vs +21.53% for SPY, so DSTL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DSTL annualized +15.01% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSTL or SPY?
DSTL has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DSTL -33.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DSTL and SPY?
DSTL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 DSTL and SPY?
DSTL and SPY share 72 common holdings with a 6.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSTL or SPY?
DSTL yields 1.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DSTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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