SPY vs VTWO
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF
Quick Verdict
VTWO has a lower expense ratio. VTWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWO offers more diversification with 1943 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VTWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $17.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.39% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 1,970 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +21.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +38.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +17.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +7.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 20, 2010 |
SPY vs VTWO Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while VTWO returned +38.81%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 21.83% for VTWO.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +17.59% for VTWO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +7.82% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTWO has the edge at +10.77% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -42.4% for VTWO. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VTWO 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 1.39% for VTWO.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VTWO share 3 holdings out of 2443 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 VTWO?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTWO charges 0.06%. VTWO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VTWO?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +38.81% for VTWO, so VTWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +10.77% for VTWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VTWO?
VTWO has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VTWO -42.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and VTWO?
SPY and VTWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VTWO?
SPY and VTWO share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2443 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VTWO?
SPY yields 1.01% while VTWO yields 1.39%, so VTWO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.