SPY vs WTV
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs WisdomTree US Value Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WTV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WTV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $3.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.86% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 118 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +15.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +13.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 23, 2007 |
SPY vs WTV Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and WisdomTree US Value Fund (WTV) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while WTV returned +23.01%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 15.55% for WTV.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +21.47% for WTV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +13.94% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, WTV has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WTV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -42.2% for WTV. 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 WTV charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $12 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.86% for WTV.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WTV share 93 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WTV?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WTV charges 0.12%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WTV?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +23.01% for WTV, so WTV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +13.01% for WTV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WTV?
WTV has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WTV -42.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and WTV?
SPY and WTV 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 WTV?
SPY and WTV share 93 common holdings with a 19.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WTV?
SPY yields 1.01% while WTV yields 1.86%, so WTV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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