SPLG vs VTI
SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SPLG has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPLG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.06% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.41% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.40% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.46% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | - | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | - | Equity | |
| Inception | - | May 24, 2001 |
SPLG vs VTI Performance
SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) is a ETF from its sponsor and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPLG returned +18.41% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SPLG is up 17.06% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SPLG compounded at +22.40% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +17.46% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPLG has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.3% for SPLG. 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 -55.8% for SPLG 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPLG charges 0.02% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
SPLG and VTI share 450 holdings out of 2843 unique holdings combined, representing a 75.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPLG or VTI?
SPLG has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VTI charges 0.03%. SPLG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPLG or VTI?
Over the past year SPLG returned +18.41% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPLG annualized +9.04% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPLG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPLG. Worst drawdown: SPLG -55.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPLG and VTI?
SPLG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPLG and VTI?
SPLG and VTI share 450 common holdings with a 75.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2843 unique securities.
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