SSPY vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. SSPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: SSPYMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSSPYVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.03%
AUM$130M$663.5B
Dividend Yield1.24%1.07%
Holdings5073,543
YTD Return+12.55%+10.14%
1Y Return+20.33%+19.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.01%+18.94%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.29%+11.79%
Volatility (annualized)17.1%15.4%
Max Drawdown-36.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilySyntax StratifiedVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 2, 2019May 24, 2001

SSPY vs VTI Performance

Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) is a ETF from Syntax Stratified and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SSPY returned +20.33% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, SSPY is up 12.55% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.

Over three years, SSPY compounded at +13.01% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.29% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SSPY has the edge at +13.73% annualized vs +7.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -36.7% for SSPY 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SSPY charges 0.45% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SSPY currently yields 1.24% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

40.6%overlap

SSPY and VTI share 460 holdings out of 2822 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SSPYWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA0.17%6.32%6.15%
AAPL0.59%5.84%5.25%
MSFT1.05%3.81%2.76%
AMZNProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
MUProProPro
BRK.BProProPro
See all 10 holdings SSPY shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SSPY or VTI?

SSPY has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SSPY or VTI?

Over the past year SSPY returned +20.33% vs +19.82% for VTI, so SSPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SSPY annualized +13.73% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SSPY or VTI?

SSPY has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SSPY -36.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SSPY and VTI?

SSPY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 SSPY and VTI?

SSPY and VTI share 460 common holdings with a 40.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2822 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SSPY or VTI?

SSPY yields 1.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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