DIVB vs SPY
DIVB vs SPY
iShares Core Dividend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
DIVB has a lower expense ratio. DIVB delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 385 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.18% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.85% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.42% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.67% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIVB vs SPY Performance
iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIVB returned +36.85% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, DIVB is up 26.18% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, DIVB compounded at +22.42% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.67% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, DIVB has the edge at +13.66% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DIVB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -36.9% for DIVB 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
DIVB charges 0.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVB currently yields 2.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DIVB and SPY share 205 holdings out of 669 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DIVB | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | 5.20% | 0.43% | 4.77% |
| ADP | 5.08% | 0.15% | 4.93% |
| JPM | 2.76% | 1.40% | 1.36% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAYX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HPQ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DIVB 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, DIVB or SPY?
DIVB has an expense ratio of 0.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. DIVB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVB or SPY?
Over the past year DIVB returned +36.85% vs +23.56% for SPY, so DIVB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DIVB annualized +13.66% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVB or SPY?
DIVB has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DIVB -36.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIVB and SPY?
DIVB 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 DIVB and SPY?
DIVB and SPY share 205 common holdings with a 24.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 669 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVB or SPY?
DIVB yields 2.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIVB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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