DWM vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DWM (WisdomTree International Equity Fund) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DWM is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International Equity Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DWM returned 9.22%/yr vs 15.53%/yr for SPY. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DWM charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

DWM vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International Equity Fund (DWM) 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, DWM achieves a 7.25% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 8.15% return. Over the past 10 years, DWM has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 9.22%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.53% annualized return.

DWM

• 1D: -1.33%
• 1M: -0.50%
• YTD: 7.25%
• 6M: 7.15%
• 1Y: 20.82%
• 3Y*: 17.76%
• 5Y*: 9.83%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

SPY

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 7.20%
• 1Y: 23.59%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

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

DWM vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DWM WisdomTree International Equity Fund	7.25%	34.83%	4.15%	16.63%	-9.04%	10.76%	-2.33%	18.98%	-13.53%	24.08%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	8.15%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between DWM and SPY is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.79

The correlation between DWM and SPY shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (3 years) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DWM vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DWM	SPY
Industrials	18.8%	7.8%
Financial Services	18.1%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	9.9%
Healthcare	8.0%	8.3%
Technology	7.5%	39.0%
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	4.5%
Basic Materials	5.5%	1.7%
Utilities	5.2%	2.1%
Communication Services	4.8%	10.6%
Energy	3.8%	3.1%
Real Estate	2.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

DWM vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

DWM

DWM Risk / Return Rank: 43
DWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DWM Omega Ratio Rank: 43
DWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DWM Martin Ratio Rank: 44

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

DWM vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International Equity Fund (DWM) 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.

	DWM	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.90	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.58	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.34	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	2.67	-0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.91	11.92	-5.01

DWM vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWM Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWM 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

DWM vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWM drawdown since its inception was -62.10%, which is greater than SPY's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWM and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWM	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.10%	-55.19%	-6.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.93%	-8.88%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-18.76%	+6.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.64%	-24.50%	-1.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.82%	-33.72%	-4.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.94%	-3.17%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.47%	-9.04%	-4.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	1.98%	+1.04%

Volatility

DWM vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree International Equity Fund (DWM) is 4.25%, while State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has a volatility of 4.87%. This indicates that DWM 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

	DWM	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.25%	4.87%	-0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.32%	9.85%	+2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.54%	12.50%	+2.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.33%	17.15%	-1.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.32%	17.95%	-1.63%

DWM vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWM has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWM vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

DWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.77%, more than SPY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DWM WisdomTree International Equity Fund	2.77%	3.06%	3.86%	4.15%	4.36%	3.64%	2.74%	3.46%	3.86%	2.99%	3.43%	3.55%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	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 DWM and SPY in my portfolio?

DWM and SPY have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DWM or SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to DWM (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWM dropped -62.10% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, DWM or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.53% vs 9.22% for DWM. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, DWM has been the lower-risk option at 4.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DWM or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.53% return vs 9.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DWM or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for DWM.

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

DWM has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 1.03% for SPY.

What is the main difference between DWM and SPY?

DWM is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. DWM tracks WisdomTree International Equity Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for DWM and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.44), 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.