SPLB vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPLBVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.03%
AUM$1.2B$663.5B
Dividend Yield5.35%1.07%
Holdings2,9473,543
YTD Return-1.95%+14.20%
1Y Return+0.01%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.61%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-3.18%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-35.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 10, 2009May 24, 2001

SPLB vs VTI Performance

State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPLB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPLB returned +0.01% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SPLB is down 1.95% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, SPLB compounded at +3.61% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.18% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.68%. 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 10.8% for SPLB. 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 -35.2% for SPLB 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPLB charges 0.04% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPLB currently yields 5.35% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPLB and VTI share 2 holdings out of 3494 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPLBWeight in VTIDifference
DUK0.02%0.14%0.12%
ADM0.02%0.05%0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPLB or VTI?

SPLB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPLB or VTI?

Over the past year SPLB returned +0.01% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPLB annualized +1.68% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPLB or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for SPLB. Worst drawdown: SPLB -35.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SPLB and VTI?

SPLB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPLB and VTI?

SPLB and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3494 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPLB or VTI?

SPLB yields 5.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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