SPY vs SPYD
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
SPYD has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SPYD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $7.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.10% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 81 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +18.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +19.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +16.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +9.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -47.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 21, 2015 |
SPY vs SPYD Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while SPYD returned +19.72%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 18.17% for SPYD.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +16.73% for SPYD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +9.49% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +7.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYD 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 -56.5% for SPY and -47.3% for SPYD. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SPYD charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $7 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.10% for SPYD.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SPYD share 78 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SPYD?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPYD charges 0.07%. SPYD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SPYD?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +19.72% for SPYD, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +7.21% for SPYD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SPYD?
SPYD has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SPYD -47.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and SPYD?
SPY and SPYD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SPYD?
SPY and SPYD share 78 common holdings with a 5.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SPYD?
SPY yields 1.01% while SPYD yields 4.10%, so SPYD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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