SPY vs VABS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VABS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $112M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.18% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 131 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +2.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +3.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +6.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +3.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 2.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -7.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 9, 2021 |
SPY vs VABS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while VABS returned +3.43%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 2.31% for VABS.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +6.31% for VABS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +3.34% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +3.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.1% for VABS. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -7.1% for VABS. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VABS charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $39 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.18% for VABS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VABS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VABS charges 0.39%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VABS?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +3.43% for VABS, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +3.19% for VABS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VABS?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.1% for VABS. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VABS -7.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and VABS?
SPY and VABS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VABS?
SPY yields 1.01% while VABS yields 5.18%, so VABS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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