SPY vs WDGF
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WDGF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.05% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 113 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +5.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +7.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -18.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 12, 2025 |
SPY vs WDGF Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF (WDGF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while WDGF returned +7.59%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 5.27% for WDGF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for SPY and -18.0% for WDGF. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WDGF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $45 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.05% for WDGF.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WDGF share 10 holdings out of 596 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WDGF?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WDGF charges 0.45%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WDGF?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +7.59% for WDGF, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WDGF?
SPY and WDGF share 10 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 596 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WDGF?
SPY yields 1.01% while WDGF yields 0.05%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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