GXDW 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

MetricGXDWSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$6M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.34%1.01%
Holdings7505
YTD Return-1.52%+13.79%
1Y Return-4.37%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-1.89%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-12.72%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)28.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-67.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 25, 2019Jan 22, 1993

GXDW vs SPY Performance

Global X Dorsey Wright Thematic ETF (GXDW) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GXDW returned -4.37% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, GXDW is down 1.52% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, GXDW compounded at -1.89% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -12.72% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

GXDW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.5% 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 -67.8% for GXDW 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GXDW 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, GXDW currently yields 1.34% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

GXDW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 508 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, GXDW or SPY?

GXDW 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, GXDW or SPY?

Over the past year GXDW returned -4.37% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), GXDW annualized +0.11% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GXDW or SPY?

GXDW has been the more volatile fund at 28.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GXDW -67.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both GXDW and SPY?

GXDW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GXDW and SPY?

GXDW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GXDW or SPY?

GXDW yields 1.34% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GXDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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