SPDW vs SPY
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.26% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.61% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPDW vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SPDW is up 16.26% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.85% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +3.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPDW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -62.2% for SPDW 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and SPY share 6 holdings out of 2845 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or SPY?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or SPY?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.15% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or SPY?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPDW and SPY?
SPDW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and SPY?
SPDW and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2845 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or SPY?
SPDW yields 3.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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