SPY vs VUSG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Wellington US Growth Active ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VUSG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 39 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +9.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | - | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 14, 2025 |
SPY vs VUSG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Wellington US Growth Active ETF (VUSG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 9.80% for VUSG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for SPY and -15.1% for VUSG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VUSG charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $35 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.02% for VUSG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VUSG share 16 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VUSG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VUSG charges 0.35%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VUSG?
SPY and VUSG share 16 common holdings with a 35.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VUSG?
SPY yields 1.01% while VUSG yields 0.02%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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