SPDW vs VEA
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3,886 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42.3B | $230.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 3,886 | |
| YTD Return | +16.67% | +16.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.03% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.03% | +20.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 17.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -62.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Jul 20, 2007 |
SPDW vs VEA Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.03% while VEA returned +28.94%. Year to date, SPDW is up 16.67% versus a gain of 16.18% for VEA.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +20.03% per year against +20.46% for VEA; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +10.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPDW has the edge at +3.16% annualized vs +3.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 17.6% for SPDW. 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 -62.9% for VEA. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VEA charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 2.55% for VEA.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VEA share 1694 holdings out of 4395 unique holdings combined, representing a 55.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VEA?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VEA charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VEA?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.03% vs +28.94% for VEA, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.16% vs +3.13% for VEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VEA?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 17.6% for SPDW. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VEA -62.9%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VEA?
SPDW and VEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 SPDW and VEA?
SPDW and VEA share 1694 common holdings with a 55.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4395 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VEA?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VEA yields 2.55%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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