SPY vs VOT
SPY vs VOT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +5.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.50% | +2.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | +12.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +4.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 17, 2006 |
SPY vs VOT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while VOT returned +2.15%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a gain of 5.41% for VOT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +19.33% per year against +12.47% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +4.86% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.43% annualized vs +8.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VOT share 94 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in VOT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VRT | 0.19% | 2.82% | 2.63% |
| WDC | 0.31% | 2.41% | 2.10% |
| STX | 0.30% | 2.37% | 2.07% |
| PWR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HWM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DDOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HOOD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COHR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SPY shares with VOT 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, SPY or VOT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VOT?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +2.15% for VOT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs +9.43% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and VOT?
SPY and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VOT?
SPY and VOT share 94 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VOT?
SPY yields 1.01% while VOT yields 0.65%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.