SPTL vs. VUSTX

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

SPTL (SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF) and VUSTX (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares) are both Government Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, SPTL returned -1.20%/yr vs -1.27%/yr for VUSTX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SPTL charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VUSTX.

Performance

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares (VUSTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPTL achieves a 0.62% return, which is significantly higher than VUSTX's -0.18% return. Over the past 10 years, SPTL has outperformed VUSTX with an annualized return of -1.20%, while VUSTX has yielded a comparatively lower -1.27% annualized return.

SPTL

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 3.24%
• YTD: 0.62%
• 6M: 0.44%
• 1Y: 5.69%
• 3Y*: -0.48%
• 5Y*: -5.52%
• 10Y*: -1.20%

VUSTX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.62%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: 0.06%
• 1Y: 5.43%
• 3Y*: -0.63%
• 5Y*: -5.40%
• 10Y*: -1.27%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPTL SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF	0.62%	5.28%	-6.23%	3.30%	-29.44%	-4.99%	18.07%	13.74%	-1.57%	9.01%
VUSTX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares	-0.18%	5.55%	-6.41%	3.33%	-29.58%	-4.93%	18.20%	14.14%	-1.89%	8.60%

Correlation

The correlation between SPTL and VUSTX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 30, 2007	0.96

The correlation between SPTL and VUSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPTL vs. VUSTX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SPTL

SPTL Risk / Return Rank: 18
SPTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
SPTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
SPTL Omega Ratio Rank: 17
SPTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
SPTL Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VUSTX

VUSTX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VUSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VUSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VUSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VUSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VUSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares (VUSTX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SPTL	VUSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	0.51	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	0.78	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.09	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.81	0.63	+0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.04	1.58	+0.45

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPTL Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is comparable to the VUSTX Sharpe Ratio of 0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPTL and VUSTX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPTL drawdown since its inception was -46.20%, roughly equal to the maximum VUSTX drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPTL and VUSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPTL	VUSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.20%	-46.37%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.04%	-7.19%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.55%	-17.70%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.02%	-41.45%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.20%	-46.37%	+0.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.24%	-36.54%	+0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.28%	-9.37%	-4.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	2.84%	-0.04%

Volatility

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) is 2.24%, while Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares (VUSTX) has a volatility of 2.68%. This indicates that SPTL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPTL	VUSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.24%	2.68%	-0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.09%	6.19%	-0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.73%	8.86%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.62%	14.61%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.95%	13.76%	+0.19%

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPTL has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VUSTX's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SPTL vs. VUSTX - Dividend Comparison

SPTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.17%, less than VUSTX's 4.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPTL SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF	4.17%	4.12%	4.03%	3.24%	2.75%	1.68%	1.71%	2.45%	2.69%	2.53%	2.56%	2.60%
VUSTX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Investor Shares	4.47%	4.29%	4.03%	3.33%	2.93%	4.21%	10.38%	2.82%	2.82%	2.64%	5.27%	5.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPTL and VUSTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, SPTL and VUSTX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SPTL or VUSTX?

VUSTX has higher volatility (2.68%) compared to SPTL (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPTL dropped -46.20% vs VUSTX's -46.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.66 vs 0.51), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.