SPY vs VTWG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VTWG has a lower expense ratio. VTWG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWG offers more diversification with 1,125 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VTWG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.61% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 1,125 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +17.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +30.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +18.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +6.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 20, 2010 |
SPY vs VTWG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while VTWG returned +30.17%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 17.28% for VTWG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +18.79% for VTWG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +6.54% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTWG has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -42.1% for VTWG. 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 VTWG 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 0.61% for VTWG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VTWG share 1 holdings out of 1627 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in VTWG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTNT | 0.16% | 0.14% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VTWG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTWG charges 0.06%. VTWG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VTWG?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +30.17% for VTWG, so VTWG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +11.39% for VTWG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VTWG?
VTWG has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VTWG -42.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and VTWG?
SPY and VTWG 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 VTWG?
SPY and VTWG share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1627 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VTWG?
SPY yields 1.01% while VTWG yields 0.61%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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