SPDW vs VWIUX
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $42.0B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +17.42% | -1.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.01% | +0.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.31% | +0.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.15% | -1.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Feb 12, 2001 |
SPDW vs VWIUX Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.01% while VWIUX returned +0.97%. Year to date, SPDW is up 17.42% versus a loss of 1.67% for VWIUX.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +21.31% per year against +0.65% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +10.15% and -1.79% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPDW has the edge at +3.20% annualized vs -1.79%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 4109 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or VWIUX?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VWIUX?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.01% vs +0.97% for VWIUX, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPDW annualized +3.20% vs -1.79% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VWIUX?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VWIUX?
SPDW and VWIUX 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 VWIUX?
SPDW and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VWIUX?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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