DBEF vs SPY
DBEF vs SPY
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DBEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. DBEF offers more diversification with 675 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBEF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 707 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.16% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.30% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.70% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DBEF vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DBEF returned +27.16% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, DBEF is up 12.95% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, DBEF compounded at +18.30% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.70% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, DBEF has the edge at +10.36% annualized vs +8.74%. 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 12.5% for DBEF. 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 -32.5% for DBEF 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBEF charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBEF currently yields 2.31% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DBEF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1178 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, DBEF or SPY?
DBEF has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBEF or SPY?
Over the past year DBEF returned +27.16% vs +19.50% for SPY, so DBEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DBEF annualized +10.36% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBEF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for DBEF. Worst drawdown: DBEF -32.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DBEF and SPY?
DBEF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBEF and SPY?
DBEF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1178 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBEF or SPY?
DBEF yields 2.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DBEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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