SPBO vs VXUS
SPBO vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPBO has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPBO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.10% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4,021 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.31% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.12% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.05% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.02% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 6, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPBO vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF (SPBO) 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 SPBO returned +2.12% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPBO is down 0.31% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPBO compounded at +5.05% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.02% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.11%. 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 6.1% for SPBO. 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 -22.4% for SPBO 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPBO charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPBO currently yields 5.10% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPBO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8815 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, SPBO or VXUS?
SPBO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPBO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPBO or VXUS?
Over the past year SPBO returned +2.12% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPBO annualized +1.11% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPBO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.1% for SPBO. Worst drawdown: SPBO -22.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPBO and VXUS?
SPBO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPBO and VXUS?
SPBO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPBO or VXUS?
SPBO yields 5.10% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPBO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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