SPDW vs VT
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +16.58% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.06% | +25.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.68% | +20.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.87% | +11.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Jun 24, 2008 |
SPDW vs VT Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +30.06% while VT returned +25.25%. Year to date, SPDW is up 16.58% versus a gain of 14.19% for VT.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.68% per year against +20.36% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.87% and +11.17% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.37% annualized vs +3.17%. 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 16.6% for VT. 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while VT 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 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VT share 1592 holdings out of 9683 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VT?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VT 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 VT?
Over the past year SPDW returned +30.06% vs +25.25% for VT, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SPDW annualized +3.17% vs +7.37% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VT?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VT?
SPDW and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and VT?
SPDW and VT share 1592 common holdings with a 16.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9683 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VT?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VT yields 1.61%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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