SPTL vs VTI
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.70% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.08% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.95% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.22% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
SPTL vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPTL returned +0.08% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SPTL is down 2.70% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SPTL compounded at +0.95% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -7.22% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +0.89%. 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 12.6% for SPTL. 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 -46.9% for SPTL 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTL charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SPTL currently yields 4.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPTL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2810 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, SPTL or VTI?
SPTL has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTL or VTI?
Over the past year SPTL returned +0.08% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPTL annualized +0.89% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for SPTL. Worst drawdown: SPTL -46.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPTL and VTI?
SPTL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTL and VTI?
SPTL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTL or VTI?
SPTL yields 4.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.