SPTI vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTI has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $10.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.66% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.38% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.84% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.19% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPTI vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (SPTI) 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 SPTI returned +1.38% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, SPTI is down 0.66% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, SPTI compounded at +3.84% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.19% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.8% for SPTI. 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 -16.3% for SPTI 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTI 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, SPTI currently yields 3.85% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPTI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 642 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, SPTI or VYM?
SPTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTI or VYM?
Over the past year SPTI returned +1.38% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPTI annualized +1.07% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.8% for SPTI. Worst drawdown: SPTI -16.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPTI and VYM?
SPTI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTI and VYM?
SPTI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 642 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTI or VYM?
SPTI yields 3.85% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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