DGRW vs SPY
DGRW vs SPY
WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth Fund 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 | DGRW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $16.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.19% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.83% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.98% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.46% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DGRW vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DGRW returned +14.83% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, DGRW is up 8.19% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, DGRW compounded at +13.98% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.46% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, DGRW has the edge at +11.63% 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 13.5% for DGRW. 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 -32.2% for DGRW 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGRW charges 0.28% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $9 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRW currently yields 1.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DGRW and SPY share 135 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DGRW | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.54% | 7.31% | 0.23% |
| AAPL | 5.49% | 7.09% | 1.60% |
| MSFT | 4.73% | 4.43% | 0.30% |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DGRW 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, DGRW or SPY?
DGRW has an expense ratio of 0.28% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGRW or SPY?
Over the past year DGRW returned +14.83% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DGRW annualized +11.63% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGRW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.5% for DGRW. Worst drawdown: DGRW -32.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGRW and SPY?
DGRW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 DGRW and SPY?
DGRW and SPY share 135 common holdings with a 48.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGRW or SPY?
DGRW yields 1.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DGRW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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