SPY vs TDIV
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TDIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TDIV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $4.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.14% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 96 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +20.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +30.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +28.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +17.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 13, 2012 |
SPY vs TDIV Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while TDIV returned +30.59%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 20.85% for TDIV.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +28.09% for TDIV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +17.05% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, TDIV has the edge at +14.28% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TDIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -32.0% for TDIV. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TDIV charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $50 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.14% for TDIV.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TDIV share 34 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TDIV?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TDIV charges 0.50%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TDIV?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +30.59% for TDIV, so TDIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +14.28% for TDIV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TDIV?
TDIV has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TDIV -32.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and TDIV?
SPY and TDIV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TDIV?
SPY and TDIV share 34 common holdings with a 13.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TDIV?
SPY yields 1.01% while TDIV yields 1.14%, so TDIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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