SPYD vs VXUS
SPYD vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF 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 | SPYD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $7.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.60% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.62% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.60% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPYD vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) 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 SPYD returned +22.62% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, SPYD is up 17.60% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPYD compounded at +14.60% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.83% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPYD has the edge at +7.19% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -47.3% for SPYD 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYD charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYD currently yields 4.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPYD and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7937 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPYD or VXUS?
SPYD has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYD or VXUS?
Over the past year SPYD returned +22.62% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SPYD annualized +7.19% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYD or VXUS?
SPYD has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPYD -47.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPYD and VXUS?
SPYD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYD and VXUS?
SPYD and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7937 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYD or VXUS?
SPYD yields 4.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPYD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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