GDIV vs SPY
GDIV vs SPY
Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GDIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDIV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $236M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.68% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GDIV vs SPY Performance
Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GDIV returned +24.68% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, GDIV is up 14.45% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, GDIV compounded at +16.22% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, GDIV has the edge at +12.95% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 14.2% for GDIV. 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 -18.9% for GDIV 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
GDIV charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDIV currently yields 1.14% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GDIV and SPY share 38 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GDIV | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 5.58% | 7.09% | 1.51% |
| NVDA | 3.08% | 7.31% | 4.23% |
| MSFT | 2.32% | 4.43% | 2.11% |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GDIV 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, GDIV or SPY?
GDIV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDIV or SPY?
Over the past year GDIV returned +24.68% vs +23.66% for SPY, so GDIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GDIV annualized +12.95% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDIV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for GDIV. Worst drawdown: GDIV -18.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GDIV and SPY?
GDIV 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 GDIV and SPY?
GDIV and SPY share 38 common holdings with a 23.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDIV or SPY?
GDIV yields 1.14% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GDIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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