SPTS vs VYM
SPTS vs VYM
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTS has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPTS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.92% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.68% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.55% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.05% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.81% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPTS vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF (SPTS) 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 SPTS returned +2.55% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SPTS is up 0.68% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, SPTS compounded at +4.05% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.81% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.76%. 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 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 -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
SPTS 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, SPTS currently yields 3.92% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPTS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 641 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 VYM?
SPTS has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. SPTS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPTS or VYM?
Over the past year SPTS returned +2.55% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPTS annualized +0.76% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPTS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.6% for SPTS. Worst drawdown: SPTS -8.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPTS and VYM?
SPTS 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 SPTS and VYM?
SPTS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPTS or VYM?
SPTS yields 3.92% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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