HDEF vs SPY
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
HDEF has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDEF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.53% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.58% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.67% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.23% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 12, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HDEF vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HDEF returned +18.58% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, HDEF is up 12.53% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, HDEF compounded at +19.67% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.23% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.52%. 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 14.7% for HDEF. 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 -38.2% for HDEF 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDEF charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDEF currently yields 3.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HDEF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 617 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, HDEF or SPY?
HDEF has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. HDEF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HDEF or SPY?
Over the past year HDEF returned +18.58% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), HDEF annualized +5.52% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HDEF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for HDEF. Worst drawdown: HDEF -38.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HDEF and SPY?
HDEF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HDEF and SPY?
HDEF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDEF or SPY?
HDEF yields 3.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HDEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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