SPY vs WDTE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Defiance S&P 500 Weekly Distribution 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 | WDTE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.03% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $66M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 51.34% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +12.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +18.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +14.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 10.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 18, 2023 |
SPY vs WDTE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Defiance S&P 500 Weekly Distribution ETF (WDTE) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while WDTE returned +18.23%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 12.56% for WDTE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +14.69% for WDTE. Across the full 3-year window we track, WDTE has the edge at +14.69% annualized vs +8.87%. 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 10.4% for WDTE. 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 -15.8% for WDTE. 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 0.95. 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 WDTE charges 1.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $103 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 51.34% for WDTE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WDTE share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WDTE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WDTE charges 1.03%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WDTE?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +18.23% for WDTE, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +14.69% for WDTE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WDTE?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.4% for WDTE. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WDTE -15.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and WDTE?
SPY and WDTE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 WDTE?
SPY and WDTE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WDTE?
SPY yields 1.01% while WDTE yields 51.34%, so WDTE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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