SPIP vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPIPVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.12%0.05%
AUM$1.0B$156.5B
Dividend Yield4.77%2.60%
Holdings518,747
YTD Return-0.03%+14.57%
1Y Return+1.07%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.47%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.07%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)5.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-18.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMay 25, 2007Jan 26, 2011

SPIP vs VXUS Performance

State Street SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF (SPIP) 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 SPIP returned +1.07% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPIP is down 0.03% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, SPIP compounded at +3.47% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.07% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.56%. 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 5.9% for SPIP. 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 -18.7% for SPIP 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPIP charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPIP currently yields 4.77% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPIP and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7906 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPIP or VXUS?

SPIP has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPIP or VXUS?

Over the past year SPIP returned +1.07% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPIP annualized +1.56% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPIP or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.9% for SPIP. Worst drawdown: SPIP -18.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both SPIP and VXUS?

SPIP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPIP and VXUS?

SPIP and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7906 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPIP or VXUS?

SPIP yields 4.77% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPIP currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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