SPDW vs VIG
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation 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 | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +15.97% | +12.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.29% | +20.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.55% | +16.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.71% | +10.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Apr 21, 2006 |
SPDW vs VIG Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.29% while VIG returned +20.84%. Year to date, SPDW is up 15.97% versus a gain of 12.33% for VIG.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.55% per year against +16.69% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.71% and +10.89% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.70% annualized vs +3.14%. 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 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VIG share 4 holdings out of 2675 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VIG?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIG charges 0.04%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VIG?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.29% vs +20.84% for VIG, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.14% vs +8.70% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VIG?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VIG?
SPDW and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VIG?
SPDW and VIG share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2675 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VIG?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VIG yields 1.79%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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