SPY vs VTHR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF
Quick Verdict
VTHR has a lower expense ratio. VTHR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTHR offers more diversification with 2,929 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VTHR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $4.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.04% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 2,929 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +14.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +22.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +21.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 20, 2010 |
SPY vs VTHR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while VTHR returned +22.01%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 14.67% for VTHR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +21.74% for VTHR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTHR has the edge at +13.22% 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 14.6% for VTHR. 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 -34.6% for VTHR. 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 0.99. 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 VTHR 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 1.04% for VTHR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VTHR share 487 holdings out of 2980 unique holdings combined, representing a 82.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VTHR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTHR charges 0.06%. VTHR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VTHR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +22.01% for VTHR, so VTHR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +13.22% for VTHR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VTHR?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VTHR. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VTHR -34.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and VTHR?
SPY and VTHR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 VTHR?
SPY and VTHR share 487 common holdings with a 82.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2980 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VTHR?
SPY yields 1.01% while VTHR yields 1.04%, so VTHR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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