SPY vs VIOV
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard S&P Small Cap 600 Value ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VIOV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VIOV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.68% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 468 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +21.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +33.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +16.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +8.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SPY vs VIOV 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 Value ETF (VIOV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while VIOV returned +33.54%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 21.63% for VIOV.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +16.25% for VIOV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +8.56% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VIOV has the edge at +10.99% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIOV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -48.9% for VIOV. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VIOV 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 1.68% for VIOV.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VIOV share 0 holdings out of 965 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 VIOV?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VIOV 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 VIOV?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +33.54% for VIOV, so VIOV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +10.99% for VIOV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VIOV?
VIOV has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VIOV -48.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and VIOV?
SPY and VIOV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VIOV?
SPY and VIOV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 965 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VIOV?
SPY yields 1.01% while VIOV yields 1.68%, so VIOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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