SPDW vs VDIGX
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2,440 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VDIGX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $42.3B | $35.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 23.36% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +16.67% | -1.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.03% | -12.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.03% | -3.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | -3.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -32.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | May 15, 1992 |
SPDW vs VDIGX Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.03% while VDIGX returned -12.26%. Year to date, SPDW is up 16.67% versus a loss of 1.31% for VDIGX.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +20.03% per year against -3.33% for VDIGX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and -3.31% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPDW has the edge at +3.16% annualized vs -3.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPDW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% compared with 16.1% for VDIGX. 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 -62.2% for SPDW and -32.6% for VDIGX. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VDIGX charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $20 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 23.36% for VDIGX.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VDIGX share 4 holdings out of 2392 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VDIGX?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VDIGX charges 0.20%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VDIGX?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.03% vs -12.26% for VDIGX, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPDW annualized +3.16% vs -3.31% for VDIGX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VDIGX?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 16.1% for VDIGX. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VDIGX -32.6%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VDIGX?
SPDW and VDIGX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VDIGX?
SPDW and VDIGX share 4 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2392 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VDIGX?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VDIGX yields 23.36%, so VDIGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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