SPEM vs VTI
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPEM offers more diversification with 2853 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,044 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.54% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.15% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.62% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.77% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
SPEM vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPEM returned +20.15% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SPEM is up 10.54% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SPEM compounded at +17.62% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.77% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +3.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 15.4% 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 -65.1% for SPEM 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPEM charges 0.07% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPEM currently yields 2.53% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPEM and VTI share 4 holdings out of 5632 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, SPEM or VTI?
SPEM has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPEM or VTI?
Over the past year SPEM returned +20.15% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPEM annualized +3.91% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPEM or VTI?
SPEM has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SPEM -65.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPEM and VTI?
SPEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPEM and VTI?
SPEM and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5632 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPEM or VTI?
SPEM yields 2.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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