SPYM vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPYM has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $171.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.39% | +14.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.23% | +25.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +20.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.85% | +9.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPYM vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYM returned +20.23% while VXUS returned +25.24%. Year to date, SPYM is up 12.39% versus a gain of 14.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPYM compounded at +21.78% per year against +20.38% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.85% and +9.32% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPYM has the edge at +12.67% annualized vs +4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.8% for SPYM. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYM charges 0.02% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYM currently yields 1.04% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPYM and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8367 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPYM or VXUS?
SPYM has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYM or VXUS?
Over the past year SPYM returned +20.23% vs +25.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPYM annualized +12.67% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for SPYM. Worst drawdown: SPYM -34.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPYM and VXUS?
SPYM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYM and VXUS?
SPYM and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8367 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYM or VXUS?
SPYM yields 1.04% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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