SPY vs VPL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF
Quick Verdict
VPL has a lower expense ratio. VPL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VPL offers more diversification with 2,361 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VPL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $8.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.75% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 2,361 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +23.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | +34.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +22.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | +10.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -55.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 4, 2005 |
SPY vs VPL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while VPL returned +34.80%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 23.29% for VPL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +22.94% for VPL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and +10.37% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +6.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VPL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -55.5% for VPL. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VPL charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $7 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.75% for VPL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VPL share 0 holdings out of 2812 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 VPL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VPL charges 0.07%. VPL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VPL?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs +34.80% for VPL, so VPL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +6.74% for VPL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VPL?
VPL has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VPL -55.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and VPL?
SPY and VPL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VPL?
SPY and VPL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2812 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VPL?
SPY yields 1.01% while VPL yields 2.75%, so VPL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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