SPDW vs VONG
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2,440 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $42.0B | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +6.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.36% | +11.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +23.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.98% | +12.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Sep 20, 2010 |
SPDW vs VONG Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.36% while VONG returned +11.87%. Year to date, SPDW is up 17.71% versus a gain of 6.50% for VONG.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +20.86% per year against +23.12% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +12.81% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.82% annualized vs +3.21%. 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VONG 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 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VONG share 10 holdings out of 2707 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VONG?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VONG 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 VONG?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.36% vs +11.87% for VONG, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPDW annualized +3.21% vs +15.82% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VONG?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VONG?
SPDW and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VONG?
SPDW and VONG share 10 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2707 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VONG?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VONG yields 0.48%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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