DFAU vs SPY
DFAU vs SPY
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DFAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAU offers more diversification with 2099 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,291 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.77% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.67% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.71% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DFAU vs SPY Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) is a ETF from Dimensional and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DFAU returned +20.67% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, DFAU is up 10.77% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, DFAU compounded at +18.71% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DFAU has the edge at +15.16% 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 15.2% for DFAU. 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 -23.6% for DFAU 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAU charges 0.12% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAU currently yields 0.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DFAU and SPY share 445 holdings out of 2157 unique holdings combined, representing a 82.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAU | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.61% | 7.31% | 0.70% |
| AAPL | 6.49% | 7.09% | 0.60% |
| MSFT | 4.26% | 4.43% | 0.17% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFAU shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAU or SPY?
DFAU has an expense ratio of 0.12% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAU or SPY?
Over the past year DFAU returned +20.67% vs +19.50% for SPY, so DFAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFAU annualized +15.16% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for DFAU. Worst drawdown: DFAU -23.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFAU and SPY?
DFAU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 DFAU and SPY?
DFAU and SPY share 445 common holdings with a 82.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2157 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAU or SPY?
DFAU yields 0.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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