DGRW vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DGRW (WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGRW is a Dividend fund tracking the WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGRW returned 14.25%/yr vs 15.70%/yr for SPY. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGRW charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

DGRW vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGRW achieves a 7.35% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 9.74% return. Over the past 10 years, DGRW has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 14.25%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.70% annualized return.

DGRW

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -0.70%
• YTD: 7.35%
• 6M: 7.02%
• 1Y: 18.84%
• 3Y*: 15.46%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 14.25%

SPY

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 9.74%
• 6M: 9.27%
• 1Y: 26.65%
• 3Y*: 21.27%
• 5Y*: 13.51%
• 10Y*: 15.70%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DGRW vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGRW WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund	7.35%	12.17%	16.98%	18.66%	-6.33%	24.46%	13.87%	29.54%	-5.38%	26.90%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	9.74%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between DGRW and SPY is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 2013	0.95

The correlation between DGRW and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

DGRW vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DGRW	SPY
Technology	32.1%	39.0%
Healthcare	12.8%	8.3%
Financial Services	11.3%	11.1%
Communication Services	10.1%	10.6%
Industrials	9.9%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	4.5%
Energy	5.0%	3.1%
Basic Materials	3.3%	1.7%
Utilities	0.2%	2.1%
Real Estate	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

DGRW vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DGRW

DGRW Risk / Return Rank: 55
DGRW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DGRW Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DGRW Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DGRW Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
DGRW Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 68
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 68
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 74

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DGRW vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DGRW	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	2.16	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.91	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.39	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	3.01	-0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.75	13.54	-3.79

DGRW vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGRW Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGRW and SPY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DGRW vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGRW drawdown since its inception was -32.04%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGRW and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGRW	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.04%	-55.19%	+23.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.30%	-8.88%	+0.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.21%	-18.76%	+2.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.27%	-24.50%	+7.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.04%	-33.72%	+1.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.42%	-1.75%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.01%	-9.04%	+6.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.97%	-0.03%

Volatility

DGRW vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) is 3.64%, while State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has a volatility of 4.64%. This indicates that DGRW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGRW	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.64%	4.64%	-1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.21%	9.75%	-1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.27%	12.43%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.01%	17.14%	-3.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.24%	17.99%	-1.75%

DGRW vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGRW has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGRW vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

DGRW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, more than SPY's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRW WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund	1.29%	1.43%	1.55%	1.74%	2.15%	1.78%	1.93%	2.20%	2.42%	1.71%	2.13%	2.18%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.01%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGRW and SPY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DGRW and SPY move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DGRW or SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.64%) compared to DGRW (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGRW dropped -32.04% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, DGRW or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.70% vs 14.25% for DGRW. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, DGRW has been the lower-risk option at 3.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGRW or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.70% return vs 14.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGRW or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DGRW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGRW or SPY?

DGRW has the higher dividend yield at 1.29%, compared with 1.01% for SPY.

What is the main difference between DGRW and SPY?

DGRW is categorized as Dividend, while SPY is S&P 500. DGRW tracks WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DGRW and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.85), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.