VDI vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 4, 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 13.41% return, which is significantly lower than SPDW's 15.00% return.

VDI

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 13.41%
• 6M: 17.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPDW

• 1D: -0.87%
• 1M: 5.56%
• YTD: 15.00%
• 6M: 18.06%
• 1Y: 32.15%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.38%
• 10Y*: 10.09%

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

VDI vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	13.41%	3.17%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	15.00%	2.66%

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 4, 2025	0.92

VDI vs. SPDW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDI	SPDW
Financial Services	33.7%	22.9%
Industrials	15.4%	19.2%
Technology	9.1%	13.7%
Energy	9.0%	5.5%
Basic Materials	6.9%	7.3%
Utilities	6.0%	3.3%
Healthcare	5.9%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	5.7%
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	7.8%
Real Estate	3.1%	2.5%
Communication Services	2.0%	3.8%

Return for Risk

VDI vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 59
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VDI	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.33	0.24	+2.09

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	-0.71%	-0.87%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.85%	-12.91%	+11.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.95%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VDI	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.63%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.17%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.21%	15.60%	+0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	16.49%	-0.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.21%	17.26%	-1.05%

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 0.62%, less than SPDW's 2.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	2.87%	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	0.62%	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 2.87%, compared with 0.62% 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.