DWAS vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DWAS (Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DWAS is a Momentum fund tracking the Dorsey Wright SmallCap Technical Leaders Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DWAS returned 14.09%/yr vs 15.70%/yr for SPY. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DWAS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

DWAS vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) 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, DWAS achieves a 27.16% return, which is significantly higher than SPY's 9.74% return. Over the past 10 years, DWAS has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 14.09%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.70% annualized return.

DWAS

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: 8.34%
• YTD: 27.16%
• 6M: 23.04%
• 1Y: 50.14%
• 3Y*: 18.33%
• 5Y*: 7.48%
• 10Y*: 14.09%

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)

DWAS vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DWAS Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF	27.16%	6.09%	9.81%	16.88%	-18.51%	19.75%	32.32%	31.39%	-10.68%	20.84%
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 DWAS and SPY is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 19, 2012	0.76

The correlation between DWAS and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

DWAS vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DWAS	SPY
Healthcare	25.9%	8.3%
Technology	20.9%	39.0%
Industrials	18.0%	7.8%
Financial Services	13.3%	11.1%
Energy	6.5%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	5.9%	9.9%
Basic Materials	3.9%	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	4.5%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.8%
Communication Services	1.1%	10.6%
Utilities	0.3%	2.1%

Return for Risk

DWAS vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

DWAS

DWAS Risk / Return Rank: 71
DWAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DWAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
DWAS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
DWAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
DWAS Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

DWAS vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) 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.

	DWAS	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.16	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	2.91	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.39	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.03	3.01	+2.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.22	13.54	+2.68

DWAS vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWAS Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWAS 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

DWAS vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWAS drawdown since its inception was -46.16%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWAS and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWAS	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.16%	-55.19%	+9.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.02%	-8.88%	-1.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.83%	-18.76%	-15.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.83%	-24.50%	-9.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.16%	-33.72%	-12.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.75%	+1.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.27%	-9.04%	-1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	1.97%	+1.13%

Volatility

DWAS vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) has a higher volatility of 8.61% compared to State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 4.64%. This indicates that DWAS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DWAS	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.61%	4.64%	+3.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.05%	9.75%	+8.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.95%	12.43%	+11.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.85%	17.14%	+8.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.71%	17.99%	+8.72%

DWAS vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWAS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWAS vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

DWAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than SPY's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DWAS Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF	0.01%	0.07%	0.79%	1.42%	0.81%	0.16%	0.21%	0.13%	0.04%	0.20%	0.52%	0.19%
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 DWAS and SPY in my portfolio?

DWAS and SPY have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DWAS or SPY?

DWAS has higher volatility (8.61%) compared to SPY (4.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWAS dropped -46.16% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, DWAS or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.70% vs 14.09% for DWAS. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DWAS or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.70% return vs 14.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DWAS or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for DWAS.

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

SPY has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.01% for DWAS.

What is the main difference between DWAS and SPY?

DWAS is categorized as Momentum, while SPY is S&P 500. DWAS tracks Dorsey Wright SmallCap Technical Leaders Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for DWAS and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 2.11), 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.