SPY vs VSGX
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VSGX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VSGX offers more diversification with 6,636 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VSGX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $6.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.99% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6,636 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +15.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +24.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +19.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +8.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -33.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 18, 2018 |
SPY vs VSGX Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while VSGX returned +24.65%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 15.09% for VSGX.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +19.70% for VSGX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +8.15% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSGX 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 -33.1% for VSGX. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VSGX charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $10 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.99% for VSGX.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VSGX share 4 holdings out of 6628 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VSGX?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VSGX charges 0.10%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VSGX?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +24.65% for VSGX, so VSGX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +8.82% for VSGX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VSGX?
VSGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VSGX -33.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and VSGX?
SPY and VSGX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VSGX?
SPY and VSGX share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VSGX?
SPY yields 1.01% while VSGX yields 2.99%, so VSGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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