SJNK vs VTI
SJNK vs VTI
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SJNK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,172 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.68% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.52% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.63% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
SJNK vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (SJNK) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SJNK returned +4.52% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SJNK is up 1.68% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, SJNK compounded at +7.63% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.09%. 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 5.7% for SJNK. 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 -30.6% for SJNK 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SJNK charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SJNK currently yields 7.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SJNK or VTI?
SJNK has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SJNK or VTI?
Over the past year SJNK returned +4.52% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SJNK annualized +1.09% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SJNK or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.7% for SJNK. Worst drawdown: SJNK -30.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SJNK and VTI?
SJNK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SJNK and VTI?
SJNK and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3839 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SJNK or VTI?
SJNK yields 7.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SJNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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