DWUS vs SPY
DWUS vs SPY
Advisorshares Dorsey Wright Fsm Us Core Etf 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 | DWUS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $115M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.04% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.22% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.98% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 26, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DWUS vs SPY Performance
Advisorshares Dorsey Wright Fsm Us Core Etf (DWUS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DWUS returned +17.22% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DWUS is up 11.04% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DWUS compounded at +17.77% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, DWUS has the edge at +14.48% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DWUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -30.5% for DWUS 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
DWUS charges 1.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $9 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWUS currently yields 0.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DWUS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, DWUS or SPY?
DWUS has an expense ratio of 1.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DWUS or SPY?
Over the past year DWUS returned +17.22% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DWUS annualized +14.48% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DWUS or SPY?
DWUS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DWUS -30.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DWUS and SPY?
DWUS 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 DWUS and SPY?
DWUS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DWUS or SPY?
DWUS yields 0.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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