DWAW vs SPY
Advisorshares Dorsey Wright Fsm All Cap World Etf vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DWAW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DWAW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $95M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.26% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.55% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.61% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.86% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 26, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DWAW vs SPY Performance
Advisorshares Dorsey Wright Fsm All Cap World Etf (DWAW) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DWAW returned +24.55% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, DWAW is up 15.26% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, DWAW compounded at +19.61% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.86% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, DWAW has the edge at +12.09% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DWAW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -31.6% for DWAW 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DWAW charges 1.23% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $9 annually, a gap of $114 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWAW currently yields 0.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DWAW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 510 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, DWAW or SPY?
DWAW has an expense ratio of 1.23% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $114 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DWAW or SPY?
Over the past year DWAW returned +24.55% vs +21.82% for SPY, so DWAW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DWAW annualized +12.09% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DWAW or SPY?
DWAW has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DWAW -31.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DWAW and SPY?
DWAW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DWAW and SPY?
DWAW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DWAW or SPY?
DWAW yields 0.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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