SPTS vs VTI
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short 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 | SPTS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.14% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.94% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.33% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.89% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
SPTS vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF (SPTS) 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 SPTS returned +2.94% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SPTS is up 1.14% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SPTS compounded at +4.33% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.89% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +0.79%. 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 2.6% for SPTS. 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 -8.9% for SPTS 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPTS charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, SPTS currently yields 3.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPTS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, SPTS or VTI?
SPTS 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, SPTS or VTI?
Over the past year SPTS returned +2.94% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPTS annualized +0.79% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.6% for SPTS. Worst drawdown: SPTS -8.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPTS and VTI?
SPTS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPTS and VTI?
SPTS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTS or VTI?
SPTS yields 3.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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