SPDW vs VGK
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $30.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 2.94% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 1,251 | |
| YTD Return | +16.26% | +11.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.61% | +23.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +18.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +9.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Mar 4, 2005 |
SPDW vs VGK Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% while VGK returned +23.18%. Year to date, SPDW is up 16.26% versus a gain of 11.16% for VGK.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.85% per year against +18.17% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +9.29% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VGK has the edge at +3.69% annualized vs +3.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -67.3% for VGK. 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 0.97. 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 VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 2.94% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VGK share 557 holdings out of 2749 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VGK?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGK charges 0.06%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VGK?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% vs +23.18% for VGK, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.15% vs +3.69% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VGK?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 17.6% for SPDW. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VGK?
SPDW and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 VGK?
SPDW and VGK share 557 common holdings with a 34.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2749 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VGK?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VGK yields 2.94%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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