SPY vs VHT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Health Care ETF
Quick Verdict
VHT has a lower expense ratio. VHT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VHT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $17.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.64% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 414 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +10.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +33.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +10.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +5.80% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -40.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 26, 2004 |
SPY vs VHT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while VHT returned +33.50%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 10.47% for VHT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +10.14% for VHT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +5.80% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VHT has the edge at +8.92% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 13.9% for VHT. 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 -40.9% for VHT. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VHT charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.64% for VHT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VHT share 59 holdings out of 843 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VHT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VHT charges 0.09%. VHT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VHT?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +33.50% for VHT, so VHT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +8.92% for VHT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VHT?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.9% for VHT. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VHT -40.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and VHT?
SPY and VHT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VHT?
SPY and VHT share 59 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 843 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VHT?
SPY yields 1.01% while VHT yields 1.64%, so VHT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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