SPY vs VFMO
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard US Momentum Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VFMO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFMO offers more diversification with 668 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VFMO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.82% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 674 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +19.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +31.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +25.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -36.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 13, 2018 |
SPY vs VFMO Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard US Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while VFMO returned +31.98%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 19.13% for VFMO.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +25.62% for VFMO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VFMO has the edge at +14.82% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFMO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -36.8% for VFMO. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VFMO charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $13 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.82% for VFMO.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VFMO share 126 holdings out of 1045 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VFMO?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VFMO charges 0.13%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VFMO?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +31.98% for VFMO, so VFMO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +14.82% for VFMO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VFMO?
VFMO has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VFMO -36.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and VFMO?
SPY and VFMO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VFMO?
SPY and VFMO share 126 common holdings with a 20.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1045 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VFMO?
SPY yields 1.01% while VFMO yields 0.82%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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