SPTB vs VXUS
SPTB vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTB has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $289M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 284 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.54% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.28% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | May 20, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPTB vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF (SPTB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPTB returned +1.28% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPTB is down 0.54% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.9% for SPTB. 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 -5.0% for SPTB and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTB charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPTB currently yields 4.18% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPTB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8103 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, SPTB or VXUS?
SPTB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPTB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTB or VXUS?
Over the past year SPTB returned +1.28% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPTB annualized +3.30% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.9% for SPTB. Worst drawdown: SPTB -5.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPTB and VXUS?
SPTB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTB and VXUS?
SPTB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTB or VXUS?
SPTB yields 4.18% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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