SPAM vs VTI
Themes Cybersecurity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SPAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPAM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +42.57% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.59% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
SPAM vs VTI Performance
Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPAM returned +36.59% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, SPAM is up 42.57% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPAM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -24.0% for SPAM 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPAM charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPAM currently yields 0.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPAM and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2804 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPAM or VTI?
SPAM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPAM or VTI?
Over the past year SPAM returned +36.59% vs +21.39% for VTI, so SPAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPAM annualized +22.45% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPAM or VTI?
SPAM has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SPAM -24.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPAM and VTI?
SPAM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPAM and VTI?
SPAM and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPAM or VTI?
SPAM yields 0.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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