SPY vs VT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VT has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 10,133 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $78.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.60% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +13.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +23.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +11.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 24, 2008 |
SPY vs VT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while VT returned +23.75%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 13.81% for VT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +21.40% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +11.09% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.96. 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 VT charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.60% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VT share 475 holdings out of 8957 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VT charges 0.06%. VT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VT?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +23.75% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +7.33% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and VT?
SPY and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 VT?
SPY and VT share 475 common holdings with a 51.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8957 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VT?
SPY yields 1.01% while VT yields 1.60%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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