SPYG vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $55.7B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 149 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.70% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.72% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.02% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPYG vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYG returned +20.72% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, SPYG is up 12.70% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, SPYG compounded at +26.02% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +6.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -69.7% for SPYG and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYG charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, SPYG currently yields 0.49% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPYG and VYM share 39 holdings out of 712 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPYG or VYM?
SPYG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYG or VYM?
Over the past year SPYG returned +20.72% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPYG annualized +6.55% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYG or VYM?
SPYG has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPYG -69.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPYG and VYM?
SPYG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYG and VYM?
SPYG and VYM share 39 common holdings with a 16.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 712 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYG or VYM?
SPYG yields 0.49% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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