SPMD vs VYM
SPMD vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPMD has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPMD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $18.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 403 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.88% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.04% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.77% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.04% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPMD vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) 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 SPMD returned +26.04% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SPMD is up 16.88% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, SPMD compounded at +14.77% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.04% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPMD has the edge at +7.44% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 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 -60.5% for SPMD 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
SPMD 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, SPMD currently yields 1.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPMD and VYM share 126 holdings out of 834 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPMD | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVT:LN | 0.67% | 0.08% | 0.59% |
| RS | 0.55% | 0.07% | 0.48% |
| EWBC | 0.51% | 0.07% | 0.44% |
| OVV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WSO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DTM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DKS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RGA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FNF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SPMD 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, SPMD or VYM?
SPMD has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPMD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPMD or VYM?
Over the past year SPMD returned +26.04% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPMD annualized +7.44% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPMD or VYM?
SPMD has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPMD -60.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPMD and VYM?
SPMD 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 SPMD and VYM?
SPMD and VYM share 126 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 834 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPMD or VYM?
SPMD yields 1.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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