SPY vs VXUS
SPY vs VXUS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.50% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPY vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, SPY is up 9.93% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +19.33% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VXUS 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 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8357 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.38% | 0.00% | 0.38% |
| HBAN | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| IRM | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings SPY shares with VXUS 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 VXUS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VXUS?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.50% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.74% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VXUS?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and VXUS?
SPY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VXUS?
SPY and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8357 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VXUS?
SPY yields 1.01% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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