EDV vs SPY
EDV vs SPY
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
EDV has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.83% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -5.51% | +11.49% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.92% | +21.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -5.06% | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.02% | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EDV vs SPY Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EDV returned -5.92% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.51% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -5.06% per year against +20.76% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -13.02% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs -1.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -62.0% for EDV and -56.5% for SPY. 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 -0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 4.83% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 579 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, EDV or SPY?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. EDV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDV or SPY?
Over the past year EDV returned -5.92% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.47% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or SPY?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EDV and SPY?
EDV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and SPY?
EDV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or SPY?
EDV yields 4.83% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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