What is the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF?
The SPYD ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the S&P 500 High Dividend Index, offering investors exposure to some of the highest-yielding stocks within the S&P 500. The selection process starts with the S&P 500, which already screens for company size, earnings quality, liquidity, and domestic revenue, with input from an index committee.
Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)
The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF then narrows it down to the 80 highest-yielding companies within the index. Once selected, the ETF weights each stock equally and rebalances twice a year.
How to buy the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF
If you've decided to invest in the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF, follow these steps to purchase shares through your brokerage account.
- Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Holdings of SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF
The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF holds 80 stocks, but its holdings change fairly frequently since the ETF rebalances semiannually. This process is known as turnover, which refers to how often the fund replaces its holdings. In 2025, the ETF had a turnover rate of nearly 67%, meaning almost two thirds of its portfolio changed over the course of the year.
Because the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF equally weights its holdings, the top stocks at any given time are simply those that have outperformed since the last rebalance. This is important to keep in mind since leadership within the fund can shift significantly between adjustments.
Does SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF pay a dividend?
Yes, the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF pays a dividend. As of late October 2025, it had a 4.44% 30-day Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yield and distributed payouts quarterly. However, not all of its dividends are qualified; the fund holds real estate investment trusts (REITs), which distribute ordinary income that may be taxed at a higher rate.
What is SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF's expense ratio?
The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF has an expense ratio of 0.07%, meaning investors pay $7 annually for every $10,000 invested. This fee is not paid directly but is deducted from the ETF's returns over time, which can slightly reduce an ETF's long-term performance.
Expense Ratio
This is considered very low for a dividend-focused ETF and is at the cheaper end of the spectrum compared to similar funds. Lower fees mean more of your dividend income stays in your pocket.
Related investing topics
Historical performance of SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF
Here's a look at the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF's annualized total return (i.e., with dividends reinvested) over various trailing periods as of Oct. 22, 2025:
Metric | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
Net asset value | -5.90% | 7.79% | 63.10% |
Market price | -5.23% | 3.12% | 10.59% |
The bottom line on the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF
Beginner investors looking for income will appreciate the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF for its straightforward index methodology and above-average dividend yield. However, its quarterly payout schedule may be less appealing for those who prefer monthly distributions.
Dividend ETF investors who focus on quality and dividend growth may find the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF too one-dimensional, as it prioritizes yield over sustainability. That said, the ETF is refreshingly inexpensive, with a low expense ratio, meaning high fees won't be a drag on performance over time.
