DEUS vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEUS offers more diversification with 838 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: DEUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDEUSSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.17%0.09%
AUM$301M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.41%1.01%
Holdings845505
YTD Return+16.42%+13.79%
1Y Return+21.99%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.06%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.07%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)15.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-40.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyXtrackers ETFsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 24, 2015Jan 22, 1993

DEUS vs SPY Performance

Xtrackers Russell US Multifactor ETF (DEUS) 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 DEUS returned +21.99% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DEUS is up 16.42% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, DEUS compounded at +16.06% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.07% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, DEUS has the edge at +10.67% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DEUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -40.9% for DEUS 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DEUS charges 0.17% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $9 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEUS currently yields 1.41% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

29.5%overlap

DEUS and SPY share 459 holdings out of 882 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DEUSWeight in SPYDifference
NVDA0.04%7.31%7.27%
AAPL0.21%7.09%6.88%
MSFT0.16%4.43%4.27%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGProProPro
METAProProPro
MUProProPro
BRK.BProProPro
LLYProProPro
AMDProProPro
See all 10 holdings DEUS shares with SPY
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DEUS or SPY?

DEUS has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DEUS or SPY?

Over the past year DEUS returned +21.99% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), DEUS annualized +10.67% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DEUS or SPY?

DEUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DEUS -40.9% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both DEUS and SPY?

DEUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 DEUS and SPY?

DEUS and SPY share 459 common holdings with a 29.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 882 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DEUS or SPY?

DEUS yields 1.41% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DEUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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