SPTB vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTB has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $289M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 284 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.75% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.21% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | May 20, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPTB vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF (SPTB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPTB returned +1.21% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SPTB is down 0.75% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTB charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPTB currently yields 4.18% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPTB and VYM share 0 holdings out of 800 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 VYM?
SPTB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPTB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTB or VYM?
Over the past year SPTB returned +1.21% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPTB annualized +3.19% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.9% for SPTB. Worst drawdown: SPTB -5.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPTB and VYM?
SPTB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTB and VYM?
SPTB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTB or VYM?
SPTB yields 4.18% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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