SPDW vs XLV
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR 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 | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $42.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +17.66% | +9.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.00% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.29% | +9.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +6.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
SPDW vs XLV Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% while XLV returned +28.53%. Year to date, SPDW is up 17.66% versus a gain of 9.20% for XLV.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +20.29% per year against +9.18% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.83% and +6.43% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLV has the edge at +7.48% 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 14.2% for XLV. 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 -40.6% for XLV. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while XLV charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $8 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 1.60% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and XLV share 1 holdings out of 2407 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 XLV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVMXX | 0.06% | 0.15% | 0.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or XLV?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLV charges 0.08%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or XLV?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% vs +28.53% for XLV, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.21% vs +7.48% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or XLV?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both SPDW and XLV?
SPDW and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and XLV?
SPDW and XLV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2407 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or XLV?
SPDW yields 3.02% while XLV yields 1.60%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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