SPDG vs SPY
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPDG has a lower expense ratio. SPDG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $12M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.70% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 279 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.93% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.30% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.13% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPDG vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF (SPDG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPDG returned +26.30% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, SPDG is up 17.93% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SPDG compounded at +20.13% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPDG has the edge at +20.13% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 12.0% for SPDG. 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 -15.7% for SPDG 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDG charges 0.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDG currently yields 2.70% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SPDG and SPY share 142 holdings out of 639 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDG or SPY?
SPDG has an expense ratio of 0.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPDG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDG or SPY?
Over the past year SPDG returned +26.30% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPDG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPDG annualized +20.13% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.0% for SPDG. Worst drawdown: SPDG -15.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPDG and SPY?
SPDG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDG and SPY?
SPDG and SPY share 142 common holdings with a 18.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 639 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDG or SPY?
SPDG yields 2.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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