SPY vs VUSB
SPY vs VUSB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Ultra Short 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 | VUSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $8.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.38% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 1,262 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | -0.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +1.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +4.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +3.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 1.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -1.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 5, 2021 |
SPY vs VUSB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Ultra Short Bond ETF (VUSB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while VUSB returned +1.64%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a loss of 0.38% for VUSB.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +4.40% for VUSB; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +3.06% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.89%. 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 1.2% for VUSB. 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 VUSB. 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 VUSB charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $10 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.38% for VUSB.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VUSB share 0 holdings out of 656 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 VUSB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VUSB charges 0.10%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VUSB?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +1.64% for VUSB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +2.89% for VUSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VUSB?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.2% for VUSB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VUSB -1.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and VUSB?
SPY and VUSB 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 VUSB?
SPY and VUSB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 656 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VUSB?
SPY yields 1.01% while VUSB yields 4.38%, so VUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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