SPSM vs VXUS
SPSM vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPSM has a lower expense ratio. SPSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPSM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $17.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.36% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 611 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.41% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.88% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.31% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.64% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 8, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPSM vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) 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 SPSM returned +35.88% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, SPSM is up 22.41% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPSM compounded at +14.31% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.64% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPSM has the edge at +9.10% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% compared with 15.0% 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 -44.4% for SPSM 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPSM 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, SPSM currently yields 1.36% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPSM and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8460 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 SPSM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESE | 0.50% | 0.00% | 0.50% |
| SIG:LN | 0.22% | 0.02% | 0.20% |
| FBK | 0.13% | 0.03% | 0.10% |
| CASH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DCH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SHEN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings SPSM 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, SPSM or VXUS?
SPSM has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPSM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPSM or VXUS?
Over the past year SPSM returned +35.88% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so SPSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPSM annualized +9.10% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPSM or VXUS?
SPSM has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPSM -44.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPSM and VXUS?
SPSM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPSM and VXUS?
SPSM and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8460 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPSM or VXUS?
SPSM yields 1.36% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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