SPY vs VCEB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard ESG US Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCEB offers more diversification with 2566 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VCEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.63% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 2,754 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | -3.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | -1.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +4.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | -0.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 7.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -21.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 22, 2020 |
SPY vs VCEB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard ESG US Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while VCEB returned -1.27%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a loss of 3.44% for VCEB.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +4.07% for VCEB; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and -0.57% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -0.37%. 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 7.4% for VCEB. 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 -21.7% for VCEB. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VCEB charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $12 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.63% for VCEB.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VCEB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VCEB charges 0.12%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VCEB?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs -1.27% for VCEB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs -0.37% for VCEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VCEB?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.4% for VCEB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VCEB -21.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and VCEB?
SPY and VCEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VCEB?
SPY and VCEB share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3067 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VCEB?
SPY yields 1.01% while VCEB yields 4.63%, so VCEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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