SPY vs VBF
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Invesco Bond Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBF offers more diversification with 1017 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VBF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.54% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $4,400.74 | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.07% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 1,492 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | -1.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +0.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +5.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | -2.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 10.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -41.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 28, 1970 |
SPY vs VBF Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Invesco Bond Fund (VBF) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while VBF returned +0.66%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a loss of 1.33% for VBF.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +5.06% for VBF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and -2.03% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -0.06%. 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 10.5% for VBF. 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 -41.6% for VBF. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VBF charges 0.54%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $54 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.07% for VBF.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VBF share 3 holdings out of 1517 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VBF?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VBF charges 0.54%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VBF?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +0.66% for VBF, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs -0.06% for VBF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VBF?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.5% for VBF. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VBF -41.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and VBF?
SPY and VBF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VBF?
SPY and VBF share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VBF?
SPY yields 1.01% while VBF yields 5.07%, so VBF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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