SPTL vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTL has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $10.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.17% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.44% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.91% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.80% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPTL vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) 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 SPTL returned -0.91% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPTL is down 2.44% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPTL compounded at -0.12% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -6.80% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTL 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, SPTL currently yields 4.17% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPTL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7955 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 VXUS?
SPTL has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPTL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTL or VXUS?
Over the past year SPTL returned -0.91% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPTL annualized +0.91% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.6% for SPTL. Worst drawdown: SPTL -46.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPTL and VXUS?
SPTL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTL and VXUS?
SPTL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7955 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTL or VXUS?
SPTL yields 4.17% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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