SPY vs VEGN
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs US Vegan Climate ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VEGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VEGN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $189M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.52% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 263 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +29.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +40.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +27.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +15.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Beyond Invesing | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 9, 2019 |
SPY vs VEGN Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and US Vegan Climate ETF (VEGN) is a ETF from Beyond Invesing. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while VEGN returned +40.20%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 29.83% for VEGN.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +27.57% for VEGN; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +15.03% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VEGN has the edge at +18.59% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEGN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -34.4% for VEGN. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VEGN charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $60 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.52% for VEGN.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VEGN share 14 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VEGN?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VEGN charges 0.60%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VEGN?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +40.20% for VEGN, so VEGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +18.59% for VEGN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VEGN?
VEGN has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VEGN -34.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and VEGN?
SPY and VEGN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VEGN?
SPY and VEGN share 14 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VEGN?
SPY yields 1.01% while VEGN yields 0.52%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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