SPDW vs VTI
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.66% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.00% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.29% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
SPDW vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SPDW is up 17.66% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +20.29% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.83% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% 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 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VTI share 16 holdings out of 5115 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 VTI?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VTI?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% vs +22.39% for VTI, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.21% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VTI?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VTI?
SPDW and VTI 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 VTI?
SPDW and VTI share 16 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5115 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VTI?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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