SPY vs TLT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $45.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.72% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | -3.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | -0.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +0.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | -8.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 22, 2002 |
SPY vs TLT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while TLT returned -0.70%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a loss of 3.20% for TLT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +0.32% for TLT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and -8.09% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +0.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.4% for TLT. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -48.7% for TLT. 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 -0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TLT charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $15 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.72% for TLT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TLT share 0 holdings out of 548 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, SPY or TLT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TLT charges 0.15%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TLT?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs -0.70% for TLT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +0.79% for TLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TLT?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.4% for TLT. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TLT -48.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and TLT?
SPY and TLT have a monthly-return correlation of -0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TLT?
SPY and TLT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TLT?
SPY yields 1.01% while TLT yields 4.72%, so TLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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