SPY vs VEM
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $7M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 54 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +12.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | - | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 3, 2026 |
SPY vs VEM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 12.08% for VEM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for SPY and -13.6% for VEM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VEM charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $49 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.00% for VEM.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VEM share 0 holdings out of 558 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VEM?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VEM charges 0.49%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VEM?
SPY and VEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 558 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VEM?
SPY yields 1.01% while VEM yields 2.00%, so VEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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