GII vs VTI
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GII | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $930M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.80% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.91% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.06% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.39% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
GII vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GII returned +9.91% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, GII is up 6.80% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, GII compounded at +17.06% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.39% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +2.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.0% for GII. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -53.6% for GII and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GII charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GII currently yields 2.66% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GII and VTI share 21 holdings out of 2842 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GII or VTI?
GII has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GII or VTI?
Over the past year GII returned +9.91% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GII annualized +2.84% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GII or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for GII. Worst drawdown: GII -53.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GII and VTI?
GII and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GII and VTI?
GII and VTI share 21 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2842 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GII or VTI?
GII yields 2.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so GII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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