SPE vs VTI
Special Opportunities Fund Inc vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $171M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.31% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 158 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.43% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.97% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.63% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.04% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Special Opportunities Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 8, 1993 | May 24, 2001 |
SPE vs VTI Performance
Special Opportunities Fund Inc (SPE) is a ETF from Special Opportunities Fund and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPE returned -3.97% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SPE is down 2.43% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SPE compounded at +15.63% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.04% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +2.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 13.8% for SPE. 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 -58.5% for SPE 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPE charges 4.89% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $489 vs $3 annually, a gap of $486 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPE currently yields 8.31% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPE and VTI share 4 holdings out of 2883 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPE or VTI?
SPE has an expense ratio of 4.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $486 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPE or VTI?
Over the past year SPE returned -3.97% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), SPE annualized +2.09% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPE or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 13.8% for SPE. Worst drawdown: SPE -58.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPE and VTI?
SPE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPE and VTI?
SPE and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPE or VTI?
SPE yields 8.31% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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