SPDW vs VO
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $105.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 293 | |
| YTD Return | +15.97% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.29% | +18.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.55% | +16.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.71% | +8.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
SPDW vs VO Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.29% while VO returned +18.87%. Year to date, SPDW is up 15.97% versus a gain of 13.87% for VO.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.55% per year against +16.27% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.71% and +8.03% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.21% 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 16.9% for VO. 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 -60.3% for VO. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 1.53% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VO share 3 holdings out of 2624 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VO?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VO?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.29% vs +18.87% for VO, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.14% vs +9.21% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VO?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 16.9% for VO. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VO?
SPDW and VO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VO?
SPDW and VO share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VO?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VO yields 1.53%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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