DVLU vs SPY
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DVLU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DVLU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $51M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.37% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.65% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.99% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DVLU vs SPY Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU) 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 DVLU returned +39.65% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, DVLU is up 17.37% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, DVLU compounded at +22.00% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.99% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DVLU has the edge at +11.09% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DVLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -53.3% for DVLU 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVLU 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, DVLU currently yields 0.66% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DVLU and SPY share 32 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DVLU or SPY?
DVLU 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, DVLU or SPY?
Over the past year DVLU returned +39.65% vs +21.71% for SPY, so DVLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DVLU annualized +11.09% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVLU or SPY?
DVLU has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DVLU -53.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DVLU and SPY?
DVLU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVLU and SPY?
DVLU and SPY share 32 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVLU or SPY?
DVLU yields 0.66% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.