MDLV 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

MetricMDLVSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.58%0.09%
AUM$43M$789.1B
Dividend Yield2.76%1.01%
Holdings38505
YTD Return+11.82%+13.68%
1Y Return+16.99%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.50%+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)10.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-16.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyMorgan DempseyState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 26, 2023Jan 22, 1993

MDLV vs SPY Performance

Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) is a ETF from Morgan Dempsey and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MDLV returned +16.99% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, MDLV is up 11.82% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Over three years, MDLV compounded at +12.50% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.26%. 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 10.3% for MDLV. 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 -16.6% for MDLV 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MDLV charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDLV currently yields 2.76% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

1.3%overlap

MDLV and SPY share 3 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MDLVWeight in SPYDifference
CSCO3.59%0.69%2.90%
CVX2.82%0.49%2.33%
MDT:IE2.24%0.16%2.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MDLV or SPY?

MDLV has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MDLV or SPY?

Over the past year MDLV returned +16.99% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MDLV annualized +8.26% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MDLV or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.3% for MDLV. Worst drawdown: MDLV -16.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both MDLV and SPY?

MDLV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MDLV and SPY?

MDLV and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MDLV or SPY?

MDLV yields 2.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MDLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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