HYDW vs SPY
HYDW vs SPY
Xtrackers Low Beta High Yield Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYDW offers more diversification with 516 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYDW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $67M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 586 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.22% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.06% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.89% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.40% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HYDW vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers Low Beta High Yield Bond ETF (HYDW) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HYDW returned +4.06% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, HYDW is up 1.22% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, HYDW compounded at +6.89% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.40% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +2.34%. 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 6.6% for HYDW. 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 -18.1% for HYDW 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYDW charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYDW currently yields 5.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HYDW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1019 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, HYDW or SPY?
HYDW has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYDW or SPY?
Over the past year HYDW returned +4.06% vs +22.80% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HYDW annualized +2.34% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYDW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.6% for HYDW. Worst drawdown: HYDW -18.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HYDW and SPY?
HYDW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYDW and SPY?
HYDW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1019 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYDW or SPY?
HYDW yields 5.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HYDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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