Best SPDR ETFs From State Street
SPDR created the first ETF (SPY) in 1993. Here are their best funds and where they still have an edge.
Don't have time? Here's what you need to know:
- 1SPY is the most traded ETF in the world — best for options, but VOO is cheaper for buy-and-hold
- 2SPDR sector ETFs (XLF, XLE, XLK, XLV) dominate their categories with lowest spreads
- 3SPDW (developed intl) at 0.03% is cheaper than Vanguard's VEA — a rare SPDR price win
- 4Use SPDR for sector plays and options; use Vanguard or Schwab for core index positions
SPDR: The Company That Invented ETFs
State Street Global Advisors launched SPY in January 1993 — the first ETF ever created. SPY tracks the S&P 500 and is now the most traded security in the world, with $500+ billion in assets and 80+ million shares traded daily. SPDR's sector ETFs (XLF, XLE, XLV, XLK) are also market leaders in their categories.
SPDR tends to charge slightly higher fees than Vanguard (SPY at 0.0945% vs VOO at 0.03%). Their advantage is liquidity — SPY's trading volume makes it the preferred choice for active traders and options users. For buy-and-hold investors, Vanguard is usually cheaper.
Best SPDR ETFs Ranked
| ETF | Category | Expense Ratio | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPY | S&P 500 | 0.0945% | Most liquid ETF in the world — best for options trading |
| SPYG | S&P 500 Growth | 0.04% | Cheaper than VOO for growth tilt |
| SPYV | S&P 500 Value | 0.04% | Cheap value exposure from the S&P 500 |
| XLF | Financial Sector | 0.09% | Dominant financials sector ETF |
| XLE | Energy Sector | 0.09% | Dominant energy sector ETF |
| XLK | Technology Sector | 0.09% | Major tech sector ETF |
| XLV | Healthcare Sector | 0.09% | Major healthcare sector ETF |
| GLD | Physical Gold | 0.40% | Largest gold ETF (but GLDM is cheaper) |
| SPDW | Developed Markets | 0.03% | Cheapest developed intl ETF available |
When SPDR Beats the Competition
SPDR wins in two areas: sector ETFs and liquidity. The Select Sector SPDRs (XLF, XLE, XLK, XLV, etc.) are the dominant sector funds — highest volume, tightest spreads, deepest options markets. If you want sector exposure, SPDR is usually the best provider.
SPDW (developed international) at 0.03% is actually cheaper than Vanguard's VEA (0.05%). It is one of the few core positions where SPDR undercuts Vanguard. For everything else, Vanguard and Schwab offer equal or better pricing.
Tip: If you trade options on ETFs, SPY is the only realistic choice — its options market is the deepest and most liquid in the world. For buy-and-hold investing, use VOO or IVV instead and save 0.06% per year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is SPY overpriced compared to VOO?
For long-term buy-and-hold, yes — 0.0945% vs 0.03% adds up to ~$23,000 on $100K over 30 years. For active trading and options, SPY's unmatched liquidity justifies the premium. Know your use case.
Are SPDR sector ETFs good investments?
They are the best sector ETFs available — low cost (0.09%), high liquidity, tight spreads. Whether sector investing is good for you depends on your strategy. Most beginners should stick with broad market ETFs rather than making sector bets.
GLD or GLDM for gold exposure?
GLDM (0.10%) is one-quarter the cost of GLD (0.40%) for identical gold exposure. Use GLDM for buy-and-hold. GLD's advantage is liquidity for active traders.
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Alex Harrington
CFA Level II Candidate, Finance & Economics
Alex Harrington is an independent ETF researcher and personal finance writer with over 8 years of experience analyzing exchange-traded funds. A CFA Level II candidate with a background in economics, Alex has reviewed 800+ ETFs and helped thousands of beginners build their first investment portfolios through clear, jargon-free education.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.