SPY vs VIDI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vident International Equity Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VIDI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VIDI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.61% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $448M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.99% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 248 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +18.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | +33.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +25.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | +13.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -51.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vident Financial | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 29, 2013 |
SPY vs VIDI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vident International Equity Strategy ETF (VIDI) is a ETF from Vident Financial. Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while VIDI returned +33.80%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 18.43% for VIDI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +25.68% for VIDI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and +13.09% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -51.5% for VIDI. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VIDI charges 0.61%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $61 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.99% for VIDI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VIDI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VIDI charges 0.61%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VIDI?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs +33.80% for VIDI, so VIDI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +5.77% for VIDI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VIDI?
VIDI has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VIDI -51.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and VIDI?
SPY and VIDI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VIDI?
SPY and VIDI share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 741 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VIDI?
SPY yields 1.01% while VIDI yields 3.99%, so VIDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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