DGT vs SPY
DGT vs SPY
State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $608M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.35% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.19% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.52% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DGT vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF (DGT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DGT returned +30.35% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, DGT is up 15.34% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, DGT compounded at +21.19% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.52% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -58.3% for DGT 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
DGT charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGT currently yields 2.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DGT and SPY share 86 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DGT | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 0.62% | 7.31% | 6.69% |
| AAPL | 0.77% | 7.09% | 6.32% |
| MSFT | 0.44% | 4.43% | 3.99% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DGT 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, DGT or SPY?
DGT has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGT or SPY?
Over the past year DGT returned +30.35% vs +23.56% for SPY, so DGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), DGT annualized +3.77% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGT or SPY?
DGT has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DGT -58.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DGT and SPY?
DGT 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 DGT and SPY?
DGT and SPY share 86 common holdings with a 30.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGT or SPY?
DGT yields 2.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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