GET DAILY SIGNALSSPYG vs VOOG: A Closer Look at Two S&P 500 Growth ETFs
Key Takeaways
- Both SPYG and VOOG are passively managed funds tracking the same benchmark — the S&P 500 Growth Index — making this a comparison of near-identical exposure rather than competing strategies.
- SPYG carries a lower expense ratio (0.04%) than VOOG (0.07%), a cost advantage that compounds over long holding periods.
- SPYG is the larger and more liquid fund, with roughly double the assets and higher average daily trading volume, which can support tighter bid-ask spreads.
- Both funds are heavily concentrated in information technology, with NVDA, MSFT, and AAPL dominating the top of each portfolio.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: SPYG — given essentially identical index exposure, the lower cost, greater liquidity, and larger scale give SPYG a structural edge over VOOG.
Why These Two ETFs Seem Interchangeable at First
Investors looking for large-cap U.S. growth exposure often come across two low-cost options that initially appear very similar: the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) and the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG). Both are passive vehicles tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, so they share the same methodology, top holdings, and sector allocations. Since they represent two versions of the same index rather than distinct strategies, the comparison hinges on structural details like fees, liquidity, scale, and tracking accuracy. This keeps the decision relatively clear for cost-focused investors.
SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) Overview
The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG), managed by State Street Global Advisors, aims to track the S&P 500 Growth Index and the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. market. It typically holds around 148 stocks and carries an expense ratio of 0.04%, among the lowest in its category. The portfolio leans heavily on mega-cap technology names, starting with NVDA, MSFT, and AAPL, followed by GOOGL, AVGO, META, and AMZN. Information technology makes up about half the sector weight, with communication services and consumer discretionary next in line. Its size and liquidity stand out in the category.
Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) Overview
The Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) follows the identical S&P 500 Growth Index, focusing on large-cap U.S. companies with growth traits such as sales and earnings momentum. It holds about 156 stocks and has an expense ratio of 0.07%. Its top holdings closely match those of SPYG, led by NVDA, MSFT, and AAPL, along with GOOGL, AVGO, META, and AMZN. Sector weights are similarly tilted toward information technology, then communication services and consumer discretionary. Though smaller in assets than SPYG, it still provides straightforward exposure to the same growth profile.
Current Market Themes Shaping Both Funds
Both ETFs sit at the center of key market drivers, including the artificial intelligence investment cycle, cloud computing expansion, and the outsized role of a few mega-cap technology companies. Positions in NVDA, AVGO, and MSFT tie directly to AI-related spending, while names like MU reflect cyclical semiconductor demand. This concentration can boost returns in favorable periods but also increases sensitivity to interest-rate shifts and valuation changes. Monetary policy remains an important variable for these holdings.
How Performance and Positioning Stack Up
Because SPYG and VOOG follow the same index, their returns have stayed very close across recent periods, with differences stemming mainly from the fee gap and minor tracking variations. The 0.03-percentage-point expense difference has given SPYG a slight net-return edge that grows over longer horizons. I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener to see how the funds compare on momentum and volatility metrics. Positioning looks nearly identical, with both carrying higher beta and relying on the earnings trends of the same technology leaders. The practical choice therefore centers on cost and liquidity, where SPYG shows a clear edge.
Using AI Tools for ETF Analysis
From what I see, tools like Tickeron’s AI Screener help streamline comparisons by letting investors filter on technical patterns, fundamentals, and performance metrics across thousands of ETFs. It surfaces ideas and relative positioning more efficiently than manual reviews, which I find useful when evaluating funds that track identical benchmarks. Explore the AI Screener to refine your own ETF comparison and discovery workflow.
Tickeron AI Verdict
When two funds deliver essentially the same index exposure, the deciding factors are structural. On that basis, Tickeron’s AI currently favors SPYG over VOOG. The edge comes from the lower expense ratio (0.04% versus 0.07%), larger assets under management, higher trading volume, and scale that often supports tighter spreads. With identical holdings and sector profiles, these advantages add up to a modest but steady benefit for long-term holders. This remains a structural assessment rather than investment advice.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
Contributor
Financial analyst and market blogger with expertise in equity research, fundamental analysis, and macroeconomic trends. I regularly publish coverage on individual stocks, ETFs, and sector developments — combining rigorous financial analysis with clear, engaging writing for a broad investment audience.
SPYG sees MACD Histogram just turned negative
SPYG saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 14, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 42 of the 50 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 84%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SPYG as a result. In 60 of 78 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
SPYG moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SPYG crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SPYG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where SPYG's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 23 of 25 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 40 of 47 cases where SPYG's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
Following a +1.58% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SPYG advanced for three days, in 298 of 355 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
SPYG may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 348 of 384 cases where SPYG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 90%.
Notable companies
Industry description
Market Cap
High and low price notable news
Volume
Fundamental Analysis Ratings
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
Advertisement
General Information
Category LargeGrowth
Advertisement