VGSH vs. SPTB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) and SPTB (State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds - VGSH tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index while SPTB tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VGSH returned 2.99% vs 3.16% for SPTB. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VGSH vs. SPTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF (SPTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSH achieves a 0.47% return, which is significantly higher than SPTB's 0.19% return.

VGSH

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.64%
• 1Y: 2.99%
• 3Y*: 4.20%
• 5Y*: 1.85%
• 10Y*: 1.70%

SPTB

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 0.19%
• 6M: 0.26%
• 1Y: 3.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGSH vs. SPTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.47%	5.07%	3.48%
SPTB State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF	0.19%	6.14%	2.17%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSH and SPTB is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2024	0.82

The correlation between VGSH and SPTB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGSH vs. SPTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 77
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 72

SPTB

SPTB Risk / Return Rank: 24
SPTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
SPTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
SPTB Omega Ratio Rank: 23
SPTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
SPTB Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

VGSH vs. SPTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF (SPTB). 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.

	VGSH	SPTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	0.89	+1.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	1.35	+2.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.15	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	1.09	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.02	2.99	+10.03

VGSH vs. SPTB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSH Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is higher than the SPTB Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSH and SPTB, 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

VGSH vs. SPTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSH drawdown since its inception was -5.70%, which is greater than SPTB's maximum drawdown of -4.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSH and SPTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSH	SPTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-4.96%	-0.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.88%	-2.90%	+2.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.97%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-5.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-1.69%	+1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-1.33%	+0.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.23%	1.06%	-0.83%

Volatility

VGSH vs. SPTB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is 0.45%, while State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF (SPTB) has a volatility of 0.95%. This indicates that VGSH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPTB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSH	SPTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.45%	0.95%	-0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.95%	2.54%	-1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.31%	3.56%	-2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.97%	4.39%	-2.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.58%	4.39%	-2.81%

VGSH vs. SPTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VGSH and SPTB have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGSH vs. SPTB - Dividend Comparison

VGSH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, less than SPTB's 4.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPTB State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF	4.19%	4.23%	2.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.88%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGSH and SPTB in my portfolio?

VGSH and SPTB have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSH or SPTB?

SPTB has higher volatility (0.95%) compared to VGSH (0.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSH dropped -5.70% vs SPTB's -4.96%.

Which ETF is better, VGSH or SPTB?

On 1-year performance, SPTB leads with 3.16% vs 2.99% for VGSH. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, VGSH has been the lower-risk option at 0.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGSH or SPTB?

Over the 1-year period, SPTB has performed better with a 3.16% return vs 2.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGSH or SPTB?

VGSH and SPTB have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGSH or SPTB?

SPTB has the higher dividend yield at 4.19%, compared with 3.88% for VGSH.

What is the main difference between VGSH and SPTB?

VGSH tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index, while SPTB tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 0.89), 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.