SPY vs VEMY
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VEMY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $50M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 8.15% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 189 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +5.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +11.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +14.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -8.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 12, 2022 |
SPY vs VEMY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (VEMY) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while VEMY returned +11.60%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 5.48% for VEMY.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +14.50% for VEMY. Across the full 4-year window we track, VEMY has the edge at +12.87% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 6.9% for VEMY. 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 -8.8% for VEMY. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VEMY charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $55 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 8.15% for VEMY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VEMY?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VEMY charges 0.55%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VEMY?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +11.60% for VEMY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +12.87% for VEMY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VEMY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.9% for VEMY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VEMY -8.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and VEMY?
SPY and VEMY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VEMY?
SPY yields 1.01% while VEMY yields 8.15%, so VEMY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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