SPAB vs VYM
SPAB vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPAB has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPAB offers more diversification with 1516 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPAB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 8,145 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.63% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.64% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.96% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.50% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPAB vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF (SPAB) 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 SPAB returned +1.64% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, SPAB is down 0.63% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, SPAB compounded at +3.96% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.50% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +0.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.4% for SPAB. 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 -19.5% for SPAB 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPAB charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPAB currently yields 4.03% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPAB and VYM share 3 holdings out of 2071 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, SPAB or VYM?
SPAB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPAB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPAB or VYM?
Over the past year SPAB returned +1.64% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPAB annualized +0.68% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPAB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.4% for SPAB. Worst drawdown: SPAB -19.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPAB and VYM?
SPAB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPAB and VYM?
SPAB and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2071 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPAB or VYM?
SPAB yields 4.03% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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