SPDG vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPDG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.70% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 279 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.49% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.51% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.00% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPDG vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF (SPDG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDG returned +27.51% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SPDG is up 17.49% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, SPDG compounded at +20.00% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPDG has the edge at +20.00% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.9% for SPDG. 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 -15.7% for SPDG and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDG charges 0.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDG currently yields 2.70% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPDG and VYM share 226 holdings out of 610 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDG or VYM?
SPDG has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDG or VYM?
Over the past year SPDG returned +27.51% vs +26.05% for VYM, so SPDG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPDG annualized +20.00% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.9% for SPDG. Worst drawdown: SPDG -15.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPDG and VYM?
SPDG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 SPDG and VYM?
SPDG and VYM share 226 common holdings with a 45.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDG or VYM?
SPDG yields 2.70% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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