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State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

SPY

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust NYSE

$771.35 ▲ 0.54%
VS

VOO

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF NYSE

$710.79 ▲ 0.54%
Last updated: • SPY at $771.35, VOO at $710.79
CleaRank Financial AI • Data from TwelveData
Reviewed by CleaRank editorial team. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.

Comparative Analysis

VOO wins this head-to-head comparison due to its lower expense ratio and superior long-term trailing returns, making it the more cost-effective choice for investors seeking broad market exposure. While both SPY and VOO offer similar exposure to the S&P 500, VOO's lower fees translate to better net performance over time. SPY's slightly higher expense ratio, though marginal, compounds over longer periods, eroding investor returns. Investors prioritizing cost efficiency and maximizing long-term gains will find VOO to be the more compelling option.

Key Differentiator

The key differentiator between SPY and VOO is VOO's significantly lower expense ratio (0.03% vs. 0.095%). This cost advantage translates directly into higher net returns for investors over the long term, making VOO the more efficient and cost-effective choice for gaining exposure to the S&P 500 index.

Joint Outlook

The outlook for both SPY and VOO remains closely tied to the performance of the broader U.S. equity market and the S&P 500 index. Given their current positioning near 52-week highs and positive technical indicators, a continuation of the upward trend is plausible, supported by strong corporate earnings and favorable macroeconomic conditions. However, potential headwinds such as inflation, rising interest rates, or geopolitical tensions could trigger market volatility and pullbacks. In a bull case scenario, both ETFs could see further gains, with VOO outperforming SPY due to its lower fees. In a bear case, both would decline, with the magnitude dictated by broader market forces.

Price Analysis Comparison

Asset Metrics i

Asset Metrics: SPY vs VOO
Metric SPY VOO
52 Week Range $629.28 - $779.37 $578.46 - $716.39
Prev. Close $767.18 $706.99
Market Cap 656.00B N/A
24h Volume 36.63M 5.46M
VOO presents a more attractive valuation proposition primarily driven by its significantly lower expense ratio of 0.03% compared to SPY's 0.095%. This cost advantage means that for every $10,000 invested, VOO costs $3.00 annually, while SPY costs $9.50. Over the long term, this difference in fees can substantially impact an investor's total return. While both ETFs track the S&P 500 and thus share similar underlying holdings and valuation characteristics, VOO's superior cost structure makes it the more efficient vehicle for capturing market returns.

Market Performance i

Market Performance: SPY vs VOO
Metric SPY VOO
Volatility (30D) 11.76% 11.72%
24h Range $766.29 - $772.28 $706.18 - $711.65
Market Strength (RSI) 51.0 52.5
Trend (SMA 50) Bullish Bullish
Both assets exhibit similar volatility levels (~12%). Market momentum is currently Bullish for both.

Technical Indicators

Technical indicators: SPY vs VOO
Indicator SPY VOO
RSI (14) 50.95 52.49
50-Day MA $761.57 $700.25
200-Day MA $718.45 $660.68
Both SPY and VOO exhibit similar technical profiles, trading near their 52-week highs and showing positive momentum. SPY is currently priced at $771.35, with a 52-week high of $779.37, while VOO is at $710.79, with a 52-week high of $716.39. Both ETFs have RSI values above 50 (SPY at 50.96, VOO at 52.49) and CCI values well into positive territory (SPY at 81.81, VOO at 86.17), indicating bullish sentiment. Their Stochastic readings are also high (SPY at 85.16, VOO at 86.10), suggesting they are approaching overbought conditions, which in strong trend phases can persist.

AI Analyst Sentiment

Technical rating: based on current price action versus moving averages and momentum. This measures short-term chart trend, not analyst opinion or company fundamentals.

SPY

Buy
Technical Score: 75/100

VOO

Buy
Technical Score: 75/100
As SPY and VOO are index ETFs, they do not have analyst ratings or median price targets in the traditional sense. Sentiment is primarily driven by market-wide trends and investor flows into broad market exposure. The current technical indicators for both ETFs, such as RSI and CCI, suggest positive market sentiment. Investor demand for broad market exposure, as evidenced by their substantial net assets (SPY: $811.9B, VOO: $1.74T), indicates a generally favorable view of the U.S. equity market.

Risk Stratification i

Risk metrics: SPY vs VOO
Metric SPY VOO
Sharpe Ratio 0.73 0.76
The primary risk for both SPY and VOO lies in broad market downturns, as they are designed to mirror the S&P 500 index. A significant economic recession, geopolitical instability, or a sharp rise in interest rates could lead to substantial declines in their value. SPY's slightly higher expense ratio presents a minor, compounding risk over time, meaning investors will underperform VOO by the fee differential if market returns are equal. However, the core risks are identical: systemic market risk and sector-specific downturns within the index.

Comparative ProTips

  • Prioritize VOO over SPY for long-term S&P 500 investments due to its lower expense ratio, which enhances net returns.
  • Monitor the expense ratios of ETFs regularly, as even small differences can significantly impact portfolio performance over extended periods.
  • Consider the inception date of ETFs; while SPY is older, VOO's lower fees have made it a preferred choice for many investors seeking cost efficiency.

Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)

Actionable Trade Plans

Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets

Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative 3% Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$ ✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
SPY
Current: $771.35
ENTRY ZONES
$732.78
$771.35
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$710.80
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$769.42
+10%
$806.06
+15%
$842.70
VOO
Current: $710.79
ENTRY ZONES
$675.25
$710.79
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$654.99
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$709.01
+10%
$742.78
+15%
$776.54
Disclaimer
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Identifying the stronger asset is based on relative strength (RS) and technical convergence. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss.

Note: The AI favored VOO based on relative valuation. This is valid for the specified timeframe only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a better buy, SPY or VOO?+
VOO is the better buy due to its significantly lower expense ratio of 0.03% compared to SPY's 0.095%. This cost advantage leads to superior net returns over the long term, assuming similar market performance.
What are the key risks for SPY vs VOO?+
Both ETFs share the same primary risks, including broad market downturns, economic recessions, geopolitical instability, and rising interest rates. SPY has a slightly higher expense ratio risk, which compounds over time.
How do SPY and VOO differ in terms of fees?+
VOO has a substantially lower expense ratio at 0.03% compared to SPY's 0.095%. This means VOO costs $3.00 per $10,000 invested annually, while SPY costs $9.50.
What is the historical performance of SPY and VOO?+
Both ETFs have delivered strong historical returns, closely tracking the S&P 500. VOO's trailing returns are slightly higher across most long-term periods due to its lower expense ratio.
How diversified are SPY and VOO?+
Both ETFs are highly diversified, offering exposure to the 500 largest U.S. companies across various sectors, providing broad market representation.
What is the net asset size of SPY and VOO?+
VOO has a larger net asset size, with approximately $1.74 trillion, compared to SPY's $811.9 billion, indicating significant investor adoption.
When were SPY and VOO created?+
SPY was launched on January 22, 1993, making it the older of the two ETFs. VOO was launched later, on November 13, 2000.

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Disclaimer: CleaRank.com is a financial data and analytics provider, not a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or financial regulatory body. This AI-generated comparison of SPY vs VOO is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or an offer to buy or sell any securities or digital assets. The comparison metrics, trade plans, and AI signals are hypothetical, hindsight-based, and simulated. Different asset classes carry different risk profiles - stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and forex each have unique regulatory frameworks and risk factors. Market data is provided "as-is" and may be delayed by 15 minutes or more. Past performance does not guarantee future results. You should never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Analysis generated on September 26, 2026.

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