SPY vs VSDA
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VSDA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $251M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.47% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +15.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +14.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +12.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +7.92% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Victory Capital Management Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 18, 2017 |
SPY vs VSDA Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF (VSDA) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc.. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while VSDA returned +14.91%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 15.99% for VSDA.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +12.47% for VSDA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +7.92% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VSDA has the edge at +11.28% annualized vs +8.86%. 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 15.1% for VSDA. 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 -32.2% for VSDA. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VSDA charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $35 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.47% for VSDA.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VSDA share 64 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VSDA?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VSDA charges 0.35%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VSDA?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +14.91% for VSDA, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +11.28% for VSDA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VSDA?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VSDA. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VSDA -32.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and VSDA?
SPY and VSDA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VSDA?
SPY and VSDA share 64 common holdings with a 11.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VSDA?
SPY yields 1.01% while VSDA yields 2.47%, so VSDA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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