SPY vs VOE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VOE has a lower expense ratio. VOE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VOE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $22.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.31% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 177 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +25.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +16.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +9.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -63.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 17, 2006 |
SPY vs VOE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while VOE returned +25.84%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 17.85% for VOE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +16.80% for VOE; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and +9.99% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -63.4% for VOE. 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 0.92. 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 VOE charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.31% for VOE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VOE share 155 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VOE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOE charges 0.05%. VOE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VOE?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +25.84% for VOE, so VOE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +7.99% for VOE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VOE?
VOE has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VOE -63.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and VOE?
SPY and VOE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 VOE?
SPY and VOE share 155 common holdings with a 9.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VOE?
SPY yields 1.01% while VOE yields 2.31%, so VOE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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