SPDW vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield 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 | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.97% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.29% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.55% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.71% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPDW vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDW returned +29.29% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SPDW is up 15.97% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +19.55% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.71% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +3.14%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and VYM share 10 holdings out of 2896 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 VYM?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or VYM?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.29% vs +25.99% for VYM, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.14% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or VYM?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPDW and VYM?
SPDW and VYM 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 VYM?
SPDW and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or VYM?
SPDW yields 3.02% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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