MDY vs VOO
State Street SPDR S&P MIDCAP 400 ETF Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MDY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MDY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $26.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.56% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.04% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.76% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.57% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 1995 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MDY vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR S&P MIDCAP 400 ETF Trust (MDY) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDY returned +26.04% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, MDY is up 16.56% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, MDY compounded at +14.76% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.57% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +9.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -56.3% for MDY and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDY charges 0.23% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDY currently yields 1.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MDY and VOO share 0 holdings out of 903 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, MDY or VOO?
MDY has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDY or VOO?
Over the past year MDY returned +26.04% vs +22.62% for VOO, so MDY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MDY annualized +9.77% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDY or VOO?
MDY has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MDY -56.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MDY and VOO?
MDY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MDY and VOO?
MDY and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDY or VOO?
MDY yields 1.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.