SPDW vs VOO
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.26% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.61% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SPDW vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, SPDW is up 16.26% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.85% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +3.15%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VOO share 6 holdings out of 2847 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 VOO?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VOO?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% vs +22.62% for VOO, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPDW annualized +3.15% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VOO?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VOO?
SPDW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VOO?
SPDW and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2847 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VOO?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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