SPY vs VFMF
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard US Multifactor ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VFMF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFMF offers more diversification with 593 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VFMF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $703M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.75% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 597 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +22.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +34.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +21.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +14.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -41.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 13, 2018 |
SPY vs VFMF Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard US Multifactor ETF (VFMF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while VFMF returned +34.63%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 22.60% for VFMF.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +21.59% for VFMF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and +14.39% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VFMF has the edge at +12.72% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFMF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -41.3% for VFMF. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VFMF charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.75% for VFMF.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VFMF share 139 holdings out of 957 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VFMF?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VFMF charges 0.18%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VFMF?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +34.63% for VFMF, so VFMF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +12.72% for VFMF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VFMF?
VFMF has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VFMF -41.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and VFMF?
SPY and VFMF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VFMF?
SPY and VFMF share 139 common holdings with a 20.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 957 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VFMF?
SPY yields 1.01% while VFMF yields 1.75%, so VFMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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