SPY vs VMO
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VMO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.86% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $2,934.54 | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 7.43% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 544 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +7.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +14.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +9.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | -0.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 12.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -60.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 24, 1992 |
SPY vs VMO Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust (VMO) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while VMO returned +14.95%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 7.19% for VMO.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +9.12% for VMO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and -0.69% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -0.05%. 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 12.2% for VMO. 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 -60.0% for VMO. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VMO charges 1.86%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $186 annually, a gap of $177 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 7.43% for VMO.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VMO share 0 holdings out of 776 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 VMO?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VMO charges 1.86%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $177 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VMO?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +14.95% for VMO, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs -0.05% for VMO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VMO?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.2% for VMO. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VMO -60.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and VMO?
SPY and VMO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VMO?
SPY and VMO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 776 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VMO?
SPY yields 1.01% while VMO yields 7.43%, so VMO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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