DUSB vs SPY
Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. DUSB offers more diversification with 554 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUSB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 554 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.19% | +13.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.76% | +19.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.87% | +21.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DUSB vs SPY Performance
Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF (DUSB) is a ETF from Dimensional and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DUSB returned +3.76% while SPY returned +19.87%. Year to date, DUSB is up 2.19% versus a gain of 13.21% for SPY.
Over three years, DUSB compounded at +4.87% per year against +21.16% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +4.87%. 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 0.4% for DUSB. 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 -0.3% for DUSB 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUSB charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUSB currently yields 4.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DUSB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 974 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUSB or SPY?
DUSB has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUSB or SPY?
Over the past year DUSB returned +3.76% vs +19.87% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DUSB annualized +4.87% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUSB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.4% for DUSB. Worst drawdown: DUSB -0.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DUSB and SPY?
DUSB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUSB and SPY?
DUSB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 974 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUSB or SPY?
DUSB yields 4.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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