VGIT vs. SPTI
VGIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF) and SPTI (SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds - VGIT tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 3-10 Year Index while SPTI tracks the Bloomberg 3-10 Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGIT returned 1.26%/yr vs 1.36%/yr for SPTI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGIT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SPTI.
Performance
VGIT vs. SPTI - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VGIT having a -0.32% return and SPTI slightly higher at -0.31%. Over the past 10 years, VGIT has underperformed SPTI with an annualized return of 1.26%, while SPTI has yielded a comparatively higher 1.36% annualized return.
VGIT
- 1D
- 0.14%
- 1M
- -0.08%
- YTD
- -0.32%
- 6M
- -0.27%
- 1Y
- 3.19%
- 3Y*
- 3.44%
- 5Y*
- 0.07%
- 10Y*
- 1.26%
SPTI
- 1D
- 0.11%
- 1M
- -0.09%
- YTD
- -0.31%
- 6M
- -0.23%
- 1Y
- 3.18%
- 3Y*
- 3.46%
- 5Y*
- 0.06%
- 10Y*
- 1.36%
VGIT vs. SPTI - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF | -0.32% | 7.34% | 1.39% | 4.28% | -10.53% | -2.64% | 7.71% | 6.19% | 1.35% | 1.70% |
SPTI SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | -0.31% | 7.46% | 1.32% | 4.24% | -10.65% | -2.55% | 7.70% | 6.01% | 2.27% | 1.04% |
Correlation
The correlation between VGIT and SPTI is 0.99 - 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 | 0.99 |
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 | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009 | 0.92 |
The correlation between VGIT and SPTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VGIT vs. SPTI — Risk / Return Rank
VGIT
SPTI
VGIT vs. SPTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) and SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (SPTI). 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.
| VGIT | SPTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.01 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.02 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.17 | 1.16 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.13 | 1.14 | -0.01 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.36 | 3.41 | -0.05 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VGIT | SPTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.96 | 0.94 | +0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.28 | 0.31 | -0.03 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.50 | 0.55 | -0.05 |
Drawdowns
VGIT vs. SPTI - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VGIT drawdown since its inception was -16.05%, roughly equal to the maximum SPTI drawdown of -16.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGIT and SPTI.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VGIT | SPTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -16.05% | -16.12% | +0.07% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.83% | -2.80% | -0.03% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -4.34% | -4.35% | +0.01% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -15.02% | -15.06% | +0.04% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -16.05% | -16.12% | +0.07% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.26% | -2.28% | +0.02% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.52% | -2.92% | -0.60% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.95% | 0.94% | +0.01% |
Volatility
VGIT vs. SPTI - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) and SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (SPTI) have volatilities of 1.06% and 1.06%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VGIT | SPTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.06% | 1.06% | 0.00% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.33% | 2.34% | -0.01% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.38% | 3.41% | -0.03% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.38% | 5.35% | +0.03% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.50% | 4.37% | +0.13% |
VGIT vs. SPTI - Expense Ratio Comparison
VGIT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SPTI's 0.06% 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
VGIT vs. SPTI - Dividend Comparison
VGIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.86%, which matches SPTI's 3.86% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPTI SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | 3.86% | 3.79% | 3.77% | 2.99% | 1.45% | 0.53% | 0.75% | 2.02% | 1.97% | 1.46% | 1.23% | 1.18% |
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF | 3.86% | 3.79% | 3.67% | 2.73% | 1.74% | 1.69% | 2.23% | 2.24% | 2.05% | 1.67% | 1.69% | 1.69% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, VGIT and SPTI 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.
SPTI has higher volatility (1.06%) compared to VGIT (1.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGIT dropped -16.05% vs SPTI's -16.12%.
On 10-year performance, SPTI leads with 1.36% vs 1.26% for VGIT. On fees, VGIT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, SPTI has performed better with a 1.36% return vs 1.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VGIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for SPTI.
VGIT and SPTI have nearly identical dividend yields, around 3.86%.
VGIT tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 3-10 Year Index, while SPTI tracks Bloomberg 3-10 Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VGIT and 0.06% for SPTI.
VGIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.96 vs 0.94), 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.
Find the right allocation for VGIT and SPTI
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer