SPY vs VSDB
SPY vs VSDB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Short Duration 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 | VSDB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $896M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.16% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 833 | |
| YTD Return | +13.28% | -0.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.94% | +1.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.07% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 2.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -1.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 1, 2025 |
SPY vs VSDB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF (VSDB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +23.94% while VSDB returned +1.64%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.28% versus a loss of 0.78% for VSDB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.0% for VSDB. 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 -1.8% for VSDB. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VSDB charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $15 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.16% for VSDB.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VSDB share 0 holdings out of 577 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 VSDB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VSDB charges 0.15%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VSDB?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.94% vs +1.64% for VSDB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +3.78% for VSDB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VSDB?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.0% for VSDB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VSDB -1.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and VSDB?
SPY and VSDB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VSDB?
SPY and VSDB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VSDB?
SPY yields 1.01% while VSDB yields 4.16%, so VSDB 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.