DTAN vs SPY
Sparkline International Intangible Value ETF 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 | DTAN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $22M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.70% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.13% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.68% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Sparkline Capital | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DTAN vs SPY Performance
Sparkline International Intangible Value ETF (DTAN) is a ETF from Sparkline Capital and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DTAN returned +18.68% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, DTAN is up 10.13% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.8% for DTAN. 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 -17.6% for DTAN 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DTAN charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DTAN currently yields 2.70% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DTAN and SPY share 4 holdings out of 612 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DTAN or SPY?
DTAN has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DTAN or SPY?
Over the past year DTAN returned +18.68% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DTAN annualized +20.02% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DTAN or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.8% for DTAN. Worst drawdown: DTAN -17.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DTAN and SPY?
DTAN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DTAN and SPY?
DTAN and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 612 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DTAN or SPY?
DTAN yields 2.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DTAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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