DURA vs SPY
VanEck Durable High Dividend 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 | DURA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $39M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.23% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.88% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.51% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.36% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DURA vs SPY Performance
VanEck Durable High Dividend ETF (DURA) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DURA returned +18.88% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, DURA is up 18.23% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, DURA compounded at +11.51% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.36% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DURA has the edge at +9.21% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.5% for DURA. 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 -35.3% for DURA 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DURA charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DURA currently yields 3.10% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DURA and SPY share 63 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DURA or SPY?
DURA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DURA or SPY?
Over the past year DURA returned +18.88% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DURA annualized +9.21% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DURA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for DURA. Worst drawdown: DURA -35.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DURA and SPY?
DURA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DURA and SPY?
DURA and SPY share 63 common holdings with a 10.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DURA or SPY?
DURA yields 3.10% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DURA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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