DTD vs SPY
DTD vs SPY
WisdomTree US Total Dividend Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. DTD offers more diversification with 676 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DTD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 801 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.77% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.65% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.65% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DTD vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree US Total Dividend Fund (DTD) 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 DTD returned +22.65% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, DTD is up 14.77% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, DTD compounded at +17.65% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.52% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.58%. 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 14.7% for DTD. 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 -60.2% for DTD 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DTD 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, DTD currently yields 1.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DTD and SPY share 303 holdings out of 876 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DTD | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 3.19% | 7.31% | 4.12% |
| AAPL | 2.61% | 7.09% | 4.48% |
| MSFT | 2.62% | 4.43% | 1.81% |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DTD 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, DTD or SPY?
DTD 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, DTD or SPY?
Over the past year DTD returned +22.65% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DTD annualized +7.58% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DTD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for DTD. Worst drawdown: DTD -60.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DTD and SPY?
DTD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 DTD and SPY?
DTD and SPY share 303 common holdings with a 52.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DTD or SPY?
DTD yields 1.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DTD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.