SPTM vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTM has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,515 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.03% | +15.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.61% | +26.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.02% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +9.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPTM vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM) 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 SPTM returned +20.61% while VXUS returned +26.56%. Year to date, SPTM is up 13.03% versus a gain of 15.77% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPTM compounded at +21.02% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +9.53% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPTM has the edge at +12.35% annualized vs +4.91%. 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 14.8% for SPTM. 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 -35.1% for SPTM 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTM 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, SPTM currently yields 1.06% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPTM and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 9359 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPTM or VXUS?
SPTM has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. SPTM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTM or VXUS?
Over the past year SPTM returned +20.61% vs +26.56% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPTM annualized +12.35% vs +4.91% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for SPTM. Worst drawdown: SPTM -35.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPTM and VXUS?
SPTM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTM and VXUS?
SPTM and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTM or VXUS?
SPTM yields 1.06% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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