SPTL vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTL has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $10.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.17% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -2.48% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.02% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.35% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.95% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPTL vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) 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 SPTL returned -1.02% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SPTL is down 2.48% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SPTL compounded at +0.35% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -6.95% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +0.90%. 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 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 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 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 4.17% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPTL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 652 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 VYM?
SPTL has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPTL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTL or VYM?
Over the past year SPTL returned -1.02% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPTL annualized +0.90% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTL and VYM?
SPTL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 652 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTL or VYM?
SPTL yields 4.17% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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