SPTL vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SPTL or VYM?
Long Term Government Bond against Large Cap Value.
SPTL has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTL | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.04% |
| AUM | $11.0B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 100 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -3.85% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | -4.88% | +17.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.27% | +17.99%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.22% | +12.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6%Best | 14.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -46.9%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,875 | $17,750Best |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Government Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | May 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 30, 2007 to Sep 10, 2026 (19.3 years).
SPTL vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.3 years both funds cover.
SPTL vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPTL returned -4.88% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, SPTL is down 3.85% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, SPTL compounded at +0.27% per year against +17.99% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -7.22% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.60% annualized vs +0.83%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% 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 -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.07. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTL 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, SPTL currently yields 4.34% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 23 holdings in SPTL and 603 in VYM, totalling 29.0% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 23 positions we hold weights for in SPTL and 603 in VYM, against full books of 100 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SPTL and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPTL or VYM?
SPTL has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPTL is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SPTL or VYM?
Over the past year SPTL returned -4.88% vs +17.82% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPTL annualized +0.83% vs +6.60% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SPTL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 12.6% for SPTL. Worst drawdown: SPTL -46.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPTL and VYM?
SPTL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTL or VYM?
SPTL yields 4.34% while VYM yields 2.22%, so SPTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SPTL?
SPTL has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.