SPY vs WDNA
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Wisdomtree BioRevolution Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WDNA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WDNA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.97% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 84 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +39.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +66.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +13.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | -1.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 24.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -58.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 3, 2021 |
SPY vs WDNA Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Wisdomtree BioRevolution Fund (WDNA) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while WDNA returned +66.13%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 39.86% for WDNA.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +13.73% for WDNA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and -1.99% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -0.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WDNA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -58.9% for WDNA. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WDNA 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 3.97% for WDNA.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WDNA share 18 holdings out of 569 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WDNA?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WDNA 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 WDNA?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +66.13% for WDNA, so WDNA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs -0.65% for WDNA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WDNA?
WDNA has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WDNA -58.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and WDNA?
SPY and WDNA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WDNA?
SPY and WDNA share 18 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 569 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WDNA?
SPY yields 1.01% while WDNA yields 3.97%, so WDNA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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