SPMD vs VXUS
SPMD vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPMD has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPMD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $18.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 403 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.43% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.85% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.29% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.19% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPMD vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) 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 SPMD returned +24.85% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, SPMD is up 16.43% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPMD compounded at +14.29% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.19% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPMD has the edge at +7.42% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -60.5% for SPMD 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPMD 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, SPMD currently yields 1.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPMD and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8257 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPMD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBA:CA | 0.57% | 0.04% | 0.53% |
| EGP | 0.31% | 0.00% | 0.31% |
| AM | 0.21% | 0.02% | 0.19% |
| BILL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings SPMD shares with VXUS 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, SPMD or VXUS?
SPMD has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPMD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPMD or VXUS?
Over the past year SPMD returned +24.85% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPMD annualized +7.42% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPMD or VXUS?
SPMD has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPMD -60.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPMD and VXUS?
SPMD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPMD and VXUS?
SPMD and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8257 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPMD or VXUS?
SPMD yields 1.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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