SPLG vs VYM
SPLG vs VYM
SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPLG has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPLG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.06% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.41% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.40% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.46% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | - | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | - | Equity | |
| Inception | - | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPLG vs VYM Performance
SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) is a ETF from its sponsor and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPLG returned +18.41% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, SPLG is up 17.06% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, SPLG compounded at +22.40% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +17.46% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPLG has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -55.8% for SPLG 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPLG charges 0.02% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
SPLG and VYM share 228 holdings out of 836 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPLG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.46% | 6.47% | 4.01% |
| JPM | 1.53% | 3.36% | 1.83% |
| XOM | 0.88% | 2.83% | 1.95% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SPLG shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPLG or VYM?
SPLG has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPLG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPLG or VYM?
Over the past year SPLG returned +18.41% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPLG annualized +9.04% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPLG or VYM?
SPLG has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPLG -55.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPLG and VYM?
SPLG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPLG and VYM?
SPLG and VYM share 228 common holdings with a 33.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 836 unique securities.
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