SPDW vs VOT
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth 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 | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +16.26% | +9.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.61% | +8.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +15.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +5.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Aug 17, 2006 |
SPDW vs VOT Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% while VOT returned +8.58%. Year to date, SPDW is up 16.26% versus a gain of 9.33% for VOT.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.85% per year against +15.30% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +5.56% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.62% annualized vs +3.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 17.6% for SPDW. 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 VOT. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VOT share 1 holdings out of 2468 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPDW | Weight in VOT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCN:CA | 0.14% | 0.93% | 0.79% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VOT?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VOT?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.61% vs +8.58% for VOT, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.15% vs +9.62% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 17.6% for SPDW. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VOT?
SPDW and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VOT?
SPDW and VOT share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2468 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VOT?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VOT yields 0.65%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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