SLYG vs VXUS
SLYG vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SLYG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLYG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.64% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 343 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +24.83% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.34% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.19% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SLYG vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) 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 SLYG returned +33.34% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, SLYG is up 24.83% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, SLYG compounded at +15.19% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.95% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SLYG has the edge at +6.52% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -62.1% for SLYG 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLYG charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLYG currently yields 0.64% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SLYG and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8196 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, SLYG or VXUS?
SLYG has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLYG or VXUS?
Over the past year SLYG returned +33.34% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so SLYG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SLYG annualized +6.52% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLYG or VXUS?
SLYG has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SLYG -62.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SLYG and VXUS?
SLYG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLYG and VXUS?
SLYG and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8196 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLYG or VXUS?
SLYG yields 0.64% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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