SPY vs VSMV
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility 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 | VSMV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $157M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.34% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +9.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +19.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +16.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +10.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -31.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Victory Capital Management Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 21, 2017 |
SPY vs VSMV Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF (VSMV) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc.. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while VSMV returned +19.24%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 9.58% for VSMV.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +16.42% for VSMV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +10.25% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VSMV has the edge at +11.17% annualized vs +8.79%. 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 13.1% for VSMV. 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 -31.4% for VSMV. 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 0.90. 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 VSMV 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 1.34% for VSMV.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VSMV share 53 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VSMV?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VSMV 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 VSMV?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +19.24% for VSMV, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +11.17% for VSMV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VSMV?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.1% for VSMV. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VSMV -31.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and VSMV?
SPY and VSMV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VSMV?
SPY and VSMV share 53 common holdings with a 17.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VSMV?
SPY yields 1.01% while VSMV yields 1.34%, so VSMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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