SPY vs VWID
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. VWID delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VWID | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $13M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.68% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 158 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +7.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +49.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +18.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +11.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 25.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -52.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 10, 2017 |
SPY vs VWID Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (VWID) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while VWID returned +49.28%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 7.80% for VWID.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +18.67% for VWID; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VWID has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -52.4% for VWID. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VWID charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $49 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.68% for VWID.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VWID share 0 holdings out of 645 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VWID?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VWID charges 0.49%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VWID?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +49.28% for VWID, so VWID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +10.15% for VWID. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VWID?
VWID has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VWID -52.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and VWID?
SPY and VWID have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VWID?
SPY and VWID share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 645 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VWID?
SPY yields 1.01% while VWID yields 3.68%, so VWID currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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