DV
Dividend Vision

ETF Comparison

SPYM vs VOO: Same Index, Different S&P 500 Wrapper

A head-to-head of the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF and Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF covering cost, size, and why the payouts track each other.

Data updated September 18, 2026

Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Total returns

100% reinvested · ex-date convention. Period returns use this fixed assumption, independent of chart settings.

SPYM has outpaced VOO over the trailing twelve months, posting a 17.19% total return against 17.16%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: SPYM has compounded at 15.49% a year, against 15.46% for VOO. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.

Total return and risk statistics by fund. Each row is one fund; each column is one period or statistic.
SymbolYTD1Y3Y5Y10YSince Sep 2010Volatility Sharpe Sortino Max drawdown
SPYM12.39%17.19%21.29%13.09%15.49%14.84%14.9%1.001.44-18.7%
VOO12.37%17.16%21.27%13.09%15.46%14.89%14.9%1.001.44-18.7%

Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date), split-adjusted, as of September 18, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; windows of one year or longer are annualized. “Since Sep 2010” measures every fund from September 9, 2010 — the start of shared available history — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.

Side-by-side snapshot

Side-by-side snapshot. Each row is one metric; each column is one fund.
MetricSPYMVOO
Full nameState Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETFVanguard S&P 500 ETF
IssuerState StreetVanguard
Last Close$89.64 as of September 18, 2026$701.78 as of September 18, 2026
Distribution rate1.07%1.12%
Distribution Safety Score™ 100100
Safety-Adjusted Yield 1.07%1.12%
Expense ratio0.02%0.03%
AUM$157B$1072B
Distribution frequencyQuarterlyQuarterly
Underlying indexS&P 500 IndexS&P 500 Index
ObjectiveTracks the S&P 500 Index, providing broad U.S. large-cap equity exposure at a low cost.Track the performance of the S&P 500 Index, representing 500 of the largest U.S. companies.
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date11/08/200509/07/2010
Beta1.01.0
Last dividend$0.239$1.9622
Ex-dividend date09/11/202606/26/2026

Bottom lineSPYM and VOO are nearly interchangeable — both track the S&P 500 with very similar cost and risk. The clearest tie-breaker is cost: SPYM is cheaper at 0.02% vs 0.03%.

SPYM vs VOO: two S&P 500 wrappers

Same index. Issuer, cost, and account fit are the live differences — not a small yield gap.

SPYMVOO
IndexS&P 500 IndexS&P 500 Index
IssuerState StreetVanguard
Expense ratio0.02%0.03%
Distribution yield1.07%1.12%
Model this comparison:
Compare in my portfolio Forecast income Save to watchlist

Income calculator

See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.

State Street
ETFs179
Total AUM$2092B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for its flagship SPDR suite of exchange-traded products that serve both institutional and retail investors across a broad range of asset classes. Their 88-fund lineup spans diverse strategies including sector exposure (Select Sector SPDR), income generation (Income and Select Sector SPDR Premium Income families), commodities (including the widely-held GLD gold ETF), bonds, ESG-focused investments, and thematic allocations, with popular tickers like DIA (Diamonds Trust), FEZ (Eurozone exposure), and JNK (high-yield bonds) among their most recognized funds. The issuer is characterized by its comprehensive coverage across multiple market segments and its emphasis on both traditional index-based products and specialized strategies like covered call income funds and factor-based investing.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SPYM.

See all State Street ETFs
Vanguard
ETFs116
Total AUM$4663B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

Vanguard is one of the largest and most established ETF issuers, known for low-cost, broadly diversified fund offerings built on passive indexing principles. Their lineup spans multiple asset classes and strategies, including core equity and bond index funds, dividend-focused portfolios, ESG-screened options, factor-based strategies, sector exposure, target-date retirement funds, and international investments across developed and emerging markets. The platform is characterized by its emphasis on accessibility and cost efficiency across a comprehensive range of fund families, serving both individual investors seeking broad market exposure and those pursuing specific income, sustainability, or thematic objectives.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on VOO.

See all Vanguard ETFs

Want to go deeper?

Add these ETFs to a sample portfolio and forecast your dividend income over 5+ years — free to start, no credit card.

Compare in my portfolio Forecast income Save to watchlist

Quick verdict

SPYM (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.

VOO offers the higher yield at 1.12% vs 1.07% for SPYM. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

SPYM is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.02% compared to 0.03%.

VOO is the larger fund by assets ($1072B), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, SPYM would generate roughly $8.92/month, while VOO would produce $9.33/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.

SPYM yield1.07%
VOO yield1.12%
Monthly diff on $10K$0.42

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, SPYM would cost approximately $20 in fees vs $30 for VOO (simplified, not compounded). The $10.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

SPYM ER0.02%
VOO ER0.03%

Strategy & risk

Both SPYM and VOO wrap S&P 500 Index with similar strategies (large cap and large cap). The practical differences are yield target, fee structure, and issuer track record — not the underlying mechanic.

SPYM beta1.0
VOO beta1.0

Fund details

SPYM is managed by State Street (launched 11/08/2005) with $157B in assets. VOO is managed by Vanguard (launched 09/07/2010) with $1072B in assets.

SPYM AUM$157B
VOO AUM$1072B
Ready to act?
Open in Comparator Model in portfolio See pricing

Enjoyed this page?

Do us a favor — if you found this comparison useful, please share it with a friend researching dividend ETFs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SPYM and VOO?

Same index, two wrappers. SPYM (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) both track S&P 500 Index. Cost is 0.02% versus 0.03%; distributions are 1.07% and 1.12% as of September 2026. Size is $157B versus $1072B. A small yield gap is index dividends, not a different market. Issuer, cost, and account fit are the live differences.

Is SPLG the same as SPYM?

Yes — same fund, new ticker. State Street renamed the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF from SPLG to SPYM; the strategy and holdings carried over unchanged, and existing shareholders kept their position under the new symbol. So results for "SPLG" are answered by SPYM's numbers: 1.07% distribution yield at a 0.02% expense ratio, with $157B in assets as of September 2026.

What is the current distribution rate for SPYM and VOO?

SPYM currently distributes 1.07% and VOO 1.12%, based on fund data updated September 2026. Distribution rate moves with both the payout and the share price, so check the as-of date before relying on either figure.

Is SPYM or VOO better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. VOO currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.

Is SPYM or VOO safer?

By Dividend Vision's Distribution Safety Score — a rules-based 0–100 estimate of how resilient a distribution looks, where higher is safer — they are effectively tied: SPYM scores 100, VOO scores 100. Neither has a clear safety edge on that measure. No score makes an investment risk-free — treat this as a screening signal, not a guarantee.

Which has lower fees, SPYM or VOO?

SPYM has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VOO charges 0.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in SPYM vs VOO generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in SPYM would generate roughly $8.92 per month ($107.00 annually). The same in VOO would produce about $9.33 per month ($112.00 annually).

Which has performed better historically, SPYM or VOO?

SPYM has outpaced VOO over the trailing twelve months, posting a 17.19% total return against 17.16%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: SPYM has compounded at 15.49% a year, against 15.46% for VOO. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

More comparisons to explore

SPYM vs VOO — at a glance

Generated September 19, 2026.

Overview

SPYM and VOO are both passively managed ETFs that track the S&P 500 Index, giving investors broad exposure to the 500 largest U.S. companies. They are nearly identical in strategy and holdings, differing primarily in issuer (State Street vs. Vanguard), scale, and marginally in expense ratio and yield. For most investors, the choice hinges on cost structure and account convenience rather than fundamental portfolio construction.

How they differ

The single biggest difference is scale: VOO manages $1072B in assets, roughly 6.8x SPYM's $157B. That size advantage typically translates to tighter bid-ask spreads and more liquid trading in VOO, though both funds have deep daily volume. Cost-wise, they're nearly mirror images: VOO charges 0.03% while SPYM charges 0.02%, a negligible gap of 0.01%. VOO's distribution rate of 1.12% slightly edges SPYM's 1.07%, reflecting minor differences in how each issuer handles dividend flows, though the practical income difference is immaterial over time. Both funds carry a 1.0 beta and pay dividends quarterly, delivering identical S&P 500 index return exposure.

Who each is best for

SPYM: Fits investors who already work within the State Street ecosystem or hold other SPDR products and value consolidation, or those seeking the lowest explicit cost tier among S&P 500 ETF options.

VOO: Designed for investors prioritizing maximum liquidity and tightest execution, those who benefit from Vanguard ecosystem integration (mutual fund conversions, advisory accounts), or anyone building a core U.S. equity position where scale and trading efficiency matter.

Key risks to know

  • Index concentration: Both funds hold identical S&P 500 constituents, meaning they share the same sector and single-stock concentration risks. A sharp downturn in mega-cap tech or financials will affect both equally.
  • Equity market risk: As broad-market large-cap funds, both are exposed to macroeconomic downturns, interest-rate shocks, and secular shifts in earnings growth. They offer no downside protection beyond the diversification inherent in the S&P 500.

Bottom line

If you prioritize absolute lowest explicit costs and value State Street's product line, SPYM's 0.02% expense ratio and $157B in AUM offer a legitimate entry point. Either fund delivers faithful S&P 500 exposure; the decision is operational convenience and marginal execution quality, not portfolio philosophy. Past performance does not predict future results.

AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.

Learn the method

The metrics behind this comparison, explained in the Academy.

How to read a fund's stats How expense ratios eat returns Correlation between two funds

Still deciding? Compare them against your own portfolio

See how each ETF fits alongside your real holdings — forecast future income, analyze overlap, and gauge risk. Start a free 7-day Dividend Vision trial and make the call with your full portfolio in view.

Start Free Open in Comparator Browse Screener