SPY vs VNQI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Global ex-US Real Estate ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VNQI offers more diversification with 747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VNQI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $3.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.62% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | -0.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +1.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +9.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | -0.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -38.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 1, 2010 |
SPY vs VNQI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Global ex-US Real Estate ETF (VNQI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while VNQI returned +1.55%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a loss of 0.67% for VNQI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +9.87% for VNQI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and -0.99% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +3.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -38.4% for VNQI. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VNQI charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $12 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.62% for VNQI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VNQI share 0 holdings out of 1210 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 VNQI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VNQI charges 0.12%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VNQI?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +1.55% for VNQI, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +3.36% for VNQI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VNQI?
VNQI has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VNQI -38.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and VNQI?
SPY and VNQI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VNQI?
SPY and VNQI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VNQI?
SPY yields 1.01% while VNQI yields 4.62%, so VNQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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