SPY vs VIOG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard S&P Small Cap 600 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VIOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VIOG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $1.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.20% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 347 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +24.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +27.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +16.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +7.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SPY vs VIOG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard S&P Small Cap 600 Growth ETF (VIOG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while VIOG returned +27.61%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 24.78% for VIOG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +16.11% for VIOG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +7.07% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VIOG has the edge at +12.42% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -42.8% for VIOG. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VIOG charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $10 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.20% for VIOG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VIOG share 0 holdings out of 852 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VIOG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VIOG charges 0.10%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VIOG?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +27.61% for VIOG, so VIOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +12.42% for VIOG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VIOG?
VIOG has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VIOG -42.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and VIOG?
SPY and VIOG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VIOG?
SPY and VIOG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 852 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VIOG?
SPY yields 1.01% while VIOG yields 1.20%, so VIOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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