SPTU vs. PULT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPTU (State Street SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF) and PULT (Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. SPTU is passively managed, while PULT is actively managed. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SPTU charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for PULT.

Performance

SPTU vs. PULT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF (SPTU) and Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF (PULT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPTU achieves a 1.48% return, which is significantly higher than PULT's 1.23% return.

SPTU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 1.48%
• 6M: 1.81%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PULT

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 1.23%
• 6M: 1.65%
• 1Y: 4.26%
• 3Y*: 5.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SPTU vs. PULT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SPTU State Street SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF	1.48%	0.92%
PULT Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF	1.23%	1.04%

Correlation

The correlation between SPTU and PULT is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 2025	0.18

Return for Risk

SPTU vs. PULT — Risk / Return Rank

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

PULT

PULT Risk / Return Rank: 98
PULT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
PULT Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
PULT Omega Ratio Rank: 99
PULT Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
PULT Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

SPTU vs. PULT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF (SPTU) and Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF (PULT). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SPTU	PULT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	5.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	11.82	8.37	+3.46

Drawdowns

SPTU vs. PULT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPTU drawdown since its inception was -0.04%, smaller than the maximum PULT drawdown of -0.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPTU and PULT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPTU	PULT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.04%	-0.34%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.29%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.29%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.04%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SPTU	PULT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32%	0.75%	-0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.32%	0.63%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.32%	0.63%	-0.31%

SPTU vs. PULT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPTU has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than PULT's 0.25% 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

SPTU vs. PULT - Dividend Comparison

SPTU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.36%, less than PULT's 4.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PULT Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF	4.65%	4.59%	5.38%	4.88%
SPTU State Street SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF	2.36%	0.89%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPTU and PULT in my portfolio?

SPTU and PULT have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SPTU or PULT?

On fees, SPTU is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPTU or PULT?

SPTU is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for PULT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPTU or PULT?

PULT has the higher dividend yield at 4.65%, compared with 2.36% for SPTU.

What is the main difference between SPTU and PULT?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for SPTU and 0.25% for PULT.