DHF vs SPY
DHF vs SPY
BNY Mellon High Yield Strategies 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 | DHF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.71% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $194M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.75% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 318 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.60% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.05% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.72% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.01% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 1998 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DHF vs SPY Performance
BNY Mellon High Yield Strategies Fund (DHF) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DHF returned +0.05% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DHF is down 0.60% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DHF compounded at +10.72% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.01% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 28-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DHF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -89.1% for DHF 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DHF charges 1.71% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $171 vs $9 annually, a gap of $162 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DHF currently yields 7.75% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DHF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 720 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DHF or SPY?
DHF has an expense ratio of 1.71% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $162 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DHF or SPY?
Over the past year DHF returned +0.05% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (28 years), DHF annualized -4.80% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DHF or SPY?
DHF has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DHF -89.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DHF and SPY?
DHF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DHF and SPY?
DHF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 720 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DHF or SPY?
DHF yields 7.75% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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