SPY vs VCLT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Long Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VCLT has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCLT offers more diversification with 2,856 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VCLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $9.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.76% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 2,856 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | -2.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | -0.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +5.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | -2.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 10.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -35.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 19, 2009 |
SPY vs VCLT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while VCLT returned -0.15%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a loss of 2.62% for VCLT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +5.62% for VCLT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and -2.85% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +1.40%. 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 10.7% for VCLT. 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 -35.1% for VCLT. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VCLT 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 5.76% for VCLT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VCLT share 1 holdings out of 802 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 SPY | Weight in VCLT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNP | 0.26% | 0.05% | 0.21% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VCLT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VCLT charges 0.03%. VCLT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VCLT?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs -0.15% for VCLT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +1.40% for VCLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VCLT?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.7% for VCLT. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VCLT -35.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and VCLT?
SPY and VCLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VCLT?
SPY and VCLT share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 802 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VCLT?
SPY yields 1.01% while VCLT yields 5.76%, so VCLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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