DABS vs SPY
DABS vs SPY
DoubleLine Asset-Backed Securities ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DABS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $149M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.86% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.85% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | DoubleLine Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DABS vs SPY Performance
DoubleLine Asset-Backed Securities ETF (DABS) is a ETF from DoubleLine Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DABS returned +3.85% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, DABS is up 1.53% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.7% for DABS. 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 -1.5% for DABS and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DABS charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DABS currently yields 4.86% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DABS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 533 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, DABS or SPY?
DABS has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DABS or SPY?
Over the past year DABS returned +3.85% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DABS annualized +4.93% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DABS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.7% for DABS. Worst drawdown: DABS -1.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DABS and SPY?
DABS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DABS and SPY?
DABS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DABS or SPY?
DABS yields 4.86% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DABS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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