DFSI vs SPY
DFSI vs SPY
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 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 | DFSI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 334 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.56% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.81% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DFSI vs SPY Performance
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) 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 DFSI returned +21.63% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, DFSI is up 9.56% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +17.81% per year against +21.17% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSI has the edge at +20.96% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 13.2% for DFSI. 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 -12.8% for DFSI 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSI charges 0.24% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $9 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSI currently yields 2.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DFSI and SPY share 245 holdings out of 589 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFSI | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMZN | 3.13% | 3.69% | 0.56% |
| JPM | 4.60% | 1.40% | 3.20% |
| XOM | 4.05% | 0.87% | 3.18% |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFSI 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, DFSI or SPY?
DFSI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSI or SPY?
Over the past year DFSI returned +21.63% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +20.96% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for DFSI. Worst drawdown: DFSI -12.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFSI and SPY?
DFSI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFSI and SPY?
DFSI and SPY share 245 common holdings with a 31.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSI or SPY?
DFSI yields 2.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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