SPSB vs VTI
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF 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 | SPSB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.39% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,553 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.25% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.28% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.78% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
SPSB vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPSB) 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 SPSB returned +3.25% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, SPSB is up 1.13% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, SPSB compounded at +5.28% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.78% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.03%. 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 1.8% for SPSB. 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 -11.8% for SPSB 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPSB 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, SPSB currently yields 4.39% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPSB and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3242 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPSB | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.05% | 0.04% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPSB or VTI?
SPSB 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, SPSB or VTI?
Over the past year SPSB returned +3.25% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPSB annualized +1.03% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPSB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.8% for SPSB. Worst drawdown: SPSB -11.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPSB and VTI?
SPSB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPSB and VTI?
SPSB and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3242 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPSB or VTI?
SPSB yields 4.39% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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