SPY vs VPLS
SPY vs VPLS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Core-Plus Bond 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 | VPLS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.73% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 2,567 | |
| YTD Return | +13.10% | -0.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.80% | +2.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.20% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -3.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 6, 2023 |
SPY vs VPLS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.80% while VPLS returned +2.52%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.10% versus a loss of 0.02% for VPLS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.2% for VPLS. 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 -3.0% for VPLS. 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VPLS charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $20 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.73% for VPLS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VPLS share 0 holdings out of 663 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 VPLS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VPLS charges 0.20%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VPLS?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.80% vs +2.52% for VPLS, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.83% vs +6.38% for VPLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VPLS?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.2% for VPLS. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VPLS -3.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and VPLS?
SPY and VPLS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VPLS?
SPY and VPLS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 663 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VPLS?
SPY yields 1.01% while VPLS yields 4.73%, so VPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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