SPY vs VTILX
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
VTILX has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTILX offers more diversification with 7,391 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $141.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.19% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 7,391 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | -1.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | -3.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | -0.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 17, 2021 |
SPY vs VTILX Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional (VTILX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while VTILX returned -3.13%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a loss of 1.38% for VTILX.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against -0.30% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -2.90%. 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 6.0% for VTILX. 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 -15.3% for VTILX. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $7 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.19% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VTILX share 12 holdings out of 1951 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 VTILX?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTILX charges 0.07%. VTILX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VTILX?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs -3.13% for VTILX, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs -2.90% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VTILX?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.0% for VTILX. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and VTILX?
SPY and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VTILX?
SPY and VTILX share 12 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1951 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VTILX?
SPY yields 1.01% while VTILX yields 4.19%, so VTILX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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