SPY vs VGMS
SPY vs VGMS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGMS offers more diversification with 534 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VGMS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $235M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.14% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 927 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | -1.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.50% | +2.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 2.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -2.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 9, 2025 |
SPY vs VGMS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while VGMS returned +2.46%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a loss of 1.54% for VGMS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.9% for VGMS. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -2.9% for VGMS. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VGMS charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $30 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.14% for VGMS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VGMS share 0 holdings out of 1037 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, SPY or VGMS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VGMS charges 0.30%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VGMS?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +2.46% for VGMS, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs +3.65% for VGMS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VGMS?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.9% for VGMS. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VGMS -2.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and VGMS?
SPY and VGMS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VGMS?
SPY and VGMS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1037 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VGMS?
SPY yields 1.01% while VGMS yields 5.14%, so VGMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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