Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDVRESPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.89%0.09%
AUM$257,501$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.89%1.01%
Holdings4505
YTD Return+13.58%+13.79%
1Y Return+6.38%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)22.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-15.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyWEBs InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 22, 2025Jan 22, 1993

DVRE vs SPY Performance

WEBs Real Estate XLRE Defined Volatility ETF (DVRE) is a ETF from WEBs Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DVRE returned +6.38% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DVRE is up 13.58% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DVRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.7% 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 -15.9% for DVRE 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DVRE charges 0.89% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $9 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DVRE currently yields 0.89% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DVRE and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, DVRE or SPY?

DVRE has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DVRE or SPY?

Over the past year DVRE returned +6.38% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DVRE annualized +0.49% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DVRE or SPY?

DVRE has been the more volatile fund at 22.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DVRE -15.9% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both DVRE and SPY?

DVRE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DVRE and SPY?

DVRE and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DVRE or SPY?

DVRE yields 0.89% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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