SPHY vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPHY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.27% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,929 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.79% | +15.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.25% | +26.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.54% | +20.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 18, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPHY vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF (SPHY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPHY returned +5.25% while VXUS returned +26.20%. Year to date, SPHY is up 2.79% versus a gain of 15.37% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPHY compounded at +8.54% per year against +20.32% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.23% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +3.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.6% for SPHY. 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 -22.4% for SPHY and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPHY charges 0.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, SPHY currently yields 7.27% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPHY and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7964 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPHY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTE:CA | 0.00% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPHY or VXUS?
SPHY has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPHY or VXUS?
Over the past year SPHY returned +5.25% vs +26.20% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPHY annualized +3.78% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPHY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.6% for SPHY. Worst drawdown: SPHY -22.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPHY and VXUS?
SPHY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPHY and VXUS?
SPHY and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7964 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPHY or VXUS?
SPHY yields 7.27% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SPHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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