DTRE vs SPY
First Trust Alerian Disruptive Technology Real Estate 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 | DTRE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $15M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.62% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.07% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.53% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.07% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.08% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DTRE vs SPY Performance
First Trust Alerian Disruptive Technology Real Estate ETF (DTRE) 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 DTRE returned +14.53% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, DTRE is up 10.07% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, DTRE compounded at +5.07% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.08% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -0.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DTRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -73.5% for DTRE 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DTRE charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DTRE currently yields 3.62% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DTRE and SPY share 6 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DTRE or SPY?
DTRE has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DTRE or SPY?
Over the past year DTRE returned +14.53% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DTRE annualized -0.19% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DTRE or SPY?
DTRE has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DTRE -73.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DTRE and SPY?
DTRE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DTRE and SPY?
DTRE and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DTRE or SPY?
DTRE yields 3.62% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DTRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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