SPDW vs VGSH
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VGSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $29.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 3.87% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 94 | |
| YTD Return | +17.66% | +0.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.00% | +2.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.29% | +4.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +1.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 1.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -6.7% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
SPDW vs VGSH Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% while VGSH returned +2.53%. Year to date, SPDW is up 17.66% versus a gain of 0.81% for VGSH.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +20.29% per year against +4.29% for VGSH; over five years the annualized figures are +9.83% and +1.90% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPDW has the edge at +3.21% annualized vs +0.71%. 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 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH. 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VGSH charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 3.87% for VGSH.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VGSH share 0 holdings out of 2424 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, SPDW or VGSH?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGSH charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VGSH?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% vs +2.53% for VGSH, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPDW annualized +3.21% vs +0.71% for VGSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VGSH?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VGSH -6.7%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VGSH?
SPDW and VGSH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VGSH?
SPDW and VGSH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2424 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VGSH?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VGSH yields 3.87%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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