SPYD vs VTI
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.10% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.17% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.72% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.73% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.49% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
SPYD vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYD returned +19.72% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SPYD is up 18.17% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SPYD compounded at +16.73% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.49% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +7.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -47.3% for SPYD and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYD charges 0.07% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYD currently yields 4.10% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPYD and VTI share 65 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPYD or VTI?
SPYD has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYD or VTI?
Over the past year SPYD returned +19.72% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SPYD annualized +7.21% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYD or VTI?
SPYD has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SPYD -47.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPYD and VTI?
SPYD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYD and VTI?
SPYD and VTI share 65 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYD or VTI?
SPYD yields 4.10% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPYD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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