SPY vs WDIV
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WDIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WDIV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $289M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.09% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 121 | |
| YTD Return | +13.21% | +14.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.87% | +22.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | +18.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.74% | +9.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -44.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 29, 2013 |
SPY vs WDIV Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% while WDIV returned +22.13%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.21% versus a gain of 14.83% for WDIV.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.16% per year against +18.96% for WDIV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.74% and +9.49% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +4.57%. 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 14.7% for WDIV. 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 -44.5% for WDIV. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WDIV charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $40 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.09% for WDIV.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WDIV share 6 holdings out of 592 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WDIV?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WDIV charges 0.40%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WDIV?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% vs +22.13% for WDIV, so WDIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +4.57% for WDIV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WDIV?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for WDIV. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WDIV -44.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and WDIV?
SPY and WDIV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WDIV?
SPY and WDIV share 6 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 592 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WDIV?
SPY yields 1.01% while WDIV yields 4.09%, so WDIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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