SPYT vs VTI
Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $160M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 21.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.30% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.36% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SPYT vs VTI Performance
Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYT returned +17.36% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, SPYT is up 11.30% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.0% for SPYT. 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 -18.3% for SPYT 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYT charges 0.92% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $92 vs $3 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYT currently yields 21.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPYT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 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, SPYT or VTI?
SPYT has an expense ratio of 0.92% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYT or VTI?
Over the past year SPYT returned +17.36% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPYT annualized +15.24% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.0% for SPYT. Worst drawdown: SPYT -18.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPYT and VTI?
SPYT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYT and VTI?
SPYT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYT or VTI?
SPYT yields 21.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPYT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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