SPEU vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPEU offers more diversification with 1,737 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPEU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $744M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.37% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,737 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +9.17% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.67% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.30% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.49% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2002 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPEU vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF (SPEU) 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 SPEU returned +20.67% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, SPEU is up 9.17% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, SPEU compounded at +18.30% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.49% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs +4.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% compared with 14.5% 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 -64.5% for SPEU 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPEU charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPEU currently yields 3.37% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPEU and VYM share 5 holdings out of 2263 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPEU or VYM?
SPEU has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPEU or VYM?
Over the past year SPEU returned +20.67% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPEU annualized +4.04% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPEU or VYM?
SPEU has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPEU -64.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPEU and VYM?
SPEU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPEU and VYM?
SPEU and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2263 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPEU or VYM?
SPEU yields 3.37% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SPEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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