SPY vs VIS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Industrials ETF
Quick Verdict
VIS has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VIS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $8.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.90% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 399 | |
| YTD Return | +13.21% | +11.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.87% | +16.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | +19.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.74% | +12.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -64.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 23, 2004 |
SPY vs VIS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% while VIS returned +16.47%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.21% versus a gain of 11.94% for VIS.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.16% per year against +19.29% for VIS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.74% and +12.63% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VIS has the edge at +9.56% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -64.9% for VIS. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VIS 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 0.90% for VIS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VIS share 82 holdings out of 815 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VIS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VIS charges 0.09%. VIS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VIS?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% vs +16.47% for VIS, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +9.56% for VIS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VIS?
VIS has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VIS -64.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and VIS?
SPY and VIS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VIS?
SPY and VIS share 82 common holdings with a 8.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VIS?
SPY yields 1.01% while VIS yields 0.90%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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