RDVY vs SPY
First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RDVY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RDVY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $24.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.04% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.24% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.38% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.07% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RDVY vs SPY Performance
First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (RDVY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RDVY returned +31.24% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, RDVY is up 19.04% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, RDVY compounded at +21.38% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.07% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, RDVY has the edge at +12.73% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RDVY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -40.6% for RDVY 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RDVY charges 0.47% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $9 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDVY currently yields 0.93% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RDVY and SPY share 63 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RDVY or SPY?
RDVY has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDVY or SPY?
Over the past year RDVY returned +31.24% vs +22.91% for SPY, so RDVY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), RDVY annualized +12.73% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDVY or SPY?
RDVY has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RDVY -40.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RDVY and SPY?
RDVY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RDVY and SPY?
RDVY and SPY share 63 common holdings with a 23.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDVY or SPY?
RDVY yields 0.93% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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