SPY vs VCIT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VCIT has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCIT offers more diversification with 2019 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VCIT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $67.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.77% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 2,253 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | -0.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +2.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +5.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +0.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -20.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 19, 2009 |
SPY vs VCIT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while VCIT returned +2.08%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a loss of 0.86% for VCIT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +5.97% for VCIT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +0.79% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.72%. 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 6.0% for VCIT. 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 -20.7% for VCIT. 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
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VCIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.77% for VCIT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VCIT share 3 holdings out of 2519 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VCIT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VCIT charges 0.03%. VCIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VCIT?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +2.08% for VCIT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +1.72% for VCIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VCIT?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.0% for VCIT. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VCIT -20.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and VCIT?
SPY and VCIT 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 SPY and VCIT?
SPY and VCIT share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VCIT?
SPY yields 1.01% while VCIT yields 4.77%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.