SPY vs VTIAX
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral
Quick Verdict
VTIAX has a lower expense ratio. VTIAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTIAX offers more diversification with 8,762 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VTIAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $102.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 8,762 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +14.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +23.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +17.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +6.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 29, 2010 |
SPY vs VTIAX Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral (VTIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while VTIAX returned +23.20%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 14.71% for VTIAX.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +17.20% for VTIAX; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +6.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +6.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTIAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -32.4% for VTIAX. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VTIAX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.55% for VTIAX.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VTIAX share 5 holdings out of 9002 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 VTIAX?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTIAX charges 0.09%. VTIAX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VTIAX?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +23.20% for VTIAX, so VTIAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +6.28% for VTIAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VTIAX?
VTIAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VTIAX -32.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and VTIAX?
SPY and VTIAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VTIAX?
SPY and VTIAX share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9002 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VTIAX?
SPY yields 1.01% while VTIAX yields 2.55%, so VTIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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