DMBS vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDMBSSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.09%
AUM$699M$789.1B
Dividend Yield5.09%1.01%
Holdings194505
YTD Return-0.19%+9.93%
1Y Return+3.97%+19.50%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.54%+19.33%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.82%
Volatility (annualized)5.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-8.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDoubleLine FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 31, 2023Jan 22, 1993

DMBS vs SPY Performance

DoubleLine Mortgage ETF (DMBS) is a ETF from DoubleLine Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DMBS returned +3.97% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, DMBS is down 0.19% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.

Over three years, DMBS compounded at +4.54% per year against +19.33% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +3.42%. 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 5.9% for DMBS. 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 -8.1% for DMBS 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DMBS charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DMBS currently yields 5.09% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DMBS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 542 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, DMBS or SPY?

DMBS has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DMBS or SPY?

Over the past year DMBS returned +3.97% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DMBS annualized +3.42% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DMBS or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.9% for DMBS. Worst drawdown: DMBS -8.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both DMBS and SPY?

DMBS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DMBS and SPY?

DMBS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DMBS or SPY?

DMBS yields 5.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DMBS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →