SPY vs VNLA
SPY vs VNLA
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VNLA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.23% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $3.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.25% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 380 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +2.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.50% | +4.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | +5.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +3.91% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 1.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -4.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Janus Henderson Investors | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 16, 2016 |
SPY vs VNLA Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF (VNLA) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors. Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while VNLA returned +4.45%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a gain of 2.06% for VNLA.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +19.33% per year against +5.65% for VNLA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +3.91% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +2.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.5% for VNLA. 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 -4.7% for VNLA. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VNLA charges 0.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $23 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.25% for VNLA.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VNLA share 0 holdings out of 698 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 VNLA?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VNLA charges 0.23%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VNLA?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +4.45% for VNLA, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs +2.09% for VNLA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VNLA?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.5% for VNLA. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VNLA -4.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and VNLA?
SPY and VNLA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VNLA?
SPY and VNLA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 698 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VNLA?
SPY yields 1.01% while VNLA yields 5.25%, so VNLA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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