SPSB vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPSB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $10.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.39% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,553 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.03% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.22% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.21% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.77% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPSB vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPSB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPSB returned +3.22% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SPSB is up 1.03% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SPSB compounded at +5.21% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.77% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +1.02%. 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 1.8% for SPSB. 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 -11.8% for SPSB 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPSB charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, SPSB currently yields 4.39% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPSB and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1017 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 SPSB | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.05% | 0.12% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPSB or VYM?
SPSB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPSB or VYM?
Over the past year SPSB returned +3.22% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPSB annualized +1.02% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPSB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.8% for SPSB. Worst drawdown: SPSB -11.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPSB and VYM?
SPSB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPSB and VYM?
SPSB and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1017 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPSB or VYM?
SPSB yields 4.39% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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