SPYM vs VOO
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
SPYM has a lower expense ratio. SPYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $171.5B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.39% | +12.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.23% | +20.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.85% | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SPYM vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYM returned +20.23% while VOO returned +20.22%. Year to date, SPYM is up 12.39% versus a gain of 12.38% for VOO.
Over three years, SPYM compounded at +21.78% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.85% and +12.84% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +12.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for SPYM and -34.3% for VOO. 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYM charges 0.02% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYM currently yields 1.04% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SPYM and VOO share 495 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 97.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPYM or VOO?
SPYM has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VOO charges 0.03%. SPYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYM or VOO?
Over the past year SPYM returned +20.23% vs +20.22% for VOO, so SPYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPYM annualized +12.67% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYM or VOO?
SPYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SPYM -34.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SPYM and VOO?
SPYM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYM and VOO?
SPYM and VOO share 495 common holdings with a 97.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYM or VOO?
SPYM yields 1.04% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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