VDI vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VDI (Virtus International Dividend ETF) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. VDI is actively managed, while SPDW is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VDI charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

VDI vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDI achieves a 14.23% return, which is significantly higher than SPDW's 13.29% return.

VDI

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 14.23%
• 6M: 13.78%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPDW

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 19.45%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

VDI vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	14.23%	3.29%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	13.29%	3.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VDI and SPDW is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2025	0.92

VDI vs. SPDW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDI	SPDW
Financial Services	31.5%	22.2%
Industrials	13.8%	18.4%
Technology	10.4%	16.8%
Energy	7.8%	4.9%
Basic Materials	6.9%	7.3%
Utilities	6.1%	3.0%
Healthcare	4.8%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	5.4%
Consumer Cyclical	2.7%	7.8%
Communication Services	2.0%	3.9%
Real Estate	1.8%	2.3%

Return for Risk

VDI vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VDI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 59

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VDI vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VDI	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.82	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.50	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.33	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.63	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	10.15	—

Drawdowns

VDI vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDI drawdown since its inception was -10.40%, smaller than the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDI and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDI	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.40%	-60.02%	+49.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.55%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.53%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.98%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.84%	-2.99%	+1.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.73%	-12.88%	+11.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VDI	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.05%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.59%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.52%	16.72%	-0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.52%	16.70%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.52%	17.13%	-0.61%

VDI vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDI has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDI vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

VDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, less than SPDW's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	3.06%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	2.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDI and SPDW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VDI and SPDW move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, VDI or SPDW?

On fees, SPDW is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDI or SPDW?

SPDW is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VDI or SPDW?

SPDW has the higher dividend yield at 3.06%, compared with 2.35% for VDI.

What is the main difference between VDI and SPDW?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for VDI and 0.04% for SPDW.