SPGM vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPGM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPGM offers more diversification with 2,985 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPGM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2,985 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.18% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.60% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.44% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPGM vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) 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 SPGM returned +24.18% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, SPGM is up 14.82% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, SPGM compounded at +21.60% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.44% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPGM has the edge at +9.88% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.6% for SPGM. 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 -34.0% for SPGM 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPGM charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPGM currently yields 1.81% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPGM and VYM share 195 holdings out of 3254 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPGM or VYM?
SPGM has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPGM or VYM?
Over the past year SPGM returned +24.18% vs +21.14% for VYM, so SPGM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPGM annualized +9.88% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPGM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SPGM. Worst drawdown: SPGM -34.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPGM and VYM?
SPGM and VYM 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 SPGM and VYM?
SPGM and VYM share 195 common holdings with a 24.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3254 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPGM or VYM?
SPGM yields 1.81% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.