SPYG vs VXUS
SPYG vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPYG has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $50.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 149 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.74% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.06% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.49% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.98% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPYG vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) 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 SPYG returned +24.06% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, SPYG is up 14.74% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPYG compounded at +26.49% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.98% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPYG has the edge at +6.64% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -69.7% for SPYG 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYG charges 0.04% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYG currently yields 0.48% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPYG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7878 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, SPYG or VXUS?
SPYG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPYG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYG or VXUS?
Over the past year SPYG returned +24.06% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPYG annualized +6.64% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYG or VXUS?
SPYG has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPYG -69.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPYG and VXUS?
SPYG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYG and VXUS?
SPYG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYG or VXUS?
SPYG yields 0.48% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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