DYLD vs SPY

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

MetricDYLDSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.09%
AUM$40M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.28%1.01%
Holdings180505
YTD Return+1.13%+14.47%
1Y Return+2.68%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.49%+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.77%+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)4.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-15.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyLeaderSharesState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 28, 2021Jan 22, 1993

DYLD vs SPY Performance

LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF (DYLD) is a ETF from LeaderShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DYLD returned +2.68% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, DYLD is up 1.13% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Over three years, DYLD compounded at +4.49% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.77% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +1.02%. 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 4.9% for DYLD. 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 -15.0% for DYLD 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DYLD charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DYLD currently yields 4.28% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

DYLD and SPY share 1 holdings out of 677 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DYLDWeight in SPYDifference
GE0.24%0.61%0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DYLD or SPY?

DYLD has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DYLD or SPY?

Over the past year DYLD returned +2.68% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DYLD annualized +1.02% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DYLD or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.9% for DYLD. Worst drawdown: DYLD -15.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both DYLD and SPY?

DYLD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DYLD and SPY?

DYLD and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 677 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DYLD or SPY?

DYLD yields 4.28% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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