VPLS vs. SPMD

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) and SPMD (SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while SPMD is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Index. VPLS is actively managed, while SPMD is passively managed. Over the past year, VPLS returned 5.74% vs 28.46% for SPMD. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VPLS charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPMD.

Performance

VPLS vs. SPMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPLS achieves a 0.99% return, which is significantly lower than SPMD's 15.96% return.

VPLS

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.20%
• YTD: 0.99%
• 6M: 1.33%
• 1Y: 5.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPMD

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 5.72%
• YTD: 15.96%
• 6M: 14.71%
• 1Y: 28.46%
• 3Y*: 15.58%
• 5Y*: 8.72%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

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

VPLS vs. SPMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.99%	7.86%	2.72%	2.83%
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	15.96%	7.44%	13.91%	6.84%

Correlation

The correlation between VPLS and SPMD is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.29

Return for Risk

VPLS vs. SPMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 50
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

SPMD

SPMD Risk / Return Rank: 64
SPMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SPMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SPMD Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SPMD Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

VPLS vs. SPMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD). 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.

	VPLS	SPMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.81	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.61	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	3.23	-1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.68	11.84	-5.16

VPLS vs. SPMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the SPMD Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPLS and SPMD, 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

VPLS vs. SPMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPLS drawdown since its inception was -4.17%, smaller than the maximum SPMD drawdown of -57.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPLS and SPMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPLS	SPMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.17%	-57.62%	+53.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.72%	-8.86%	+6.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.08%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.08%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	0.00%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.01%	-8.11%	+7.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	2.41%	-1.55%

Volatility

VPLS vs. SPMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is 1.28%, while SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) has a volatility of 5.07%. This indicates that VPLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPLS	SPMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	5.07%	-3.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.75%	11.74%	-8.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.59%	15.86%	-12.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.60%	19.75%	-15.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.60%	21.20%	-16.60%

VPLS vs. SPMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPLS has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than SPMD's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VPLS vs. SPMD - Dividend Comparison

VPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.74%, more than SPMD's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPMD SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF	1.21%	1.39%	1.42%	1.47%	1.64%	1.24%	1.30%	1.57%	1.85%	1.97%	2.13%	5.33%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.74%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPLS and SPMD in my portfolio?

VPLS and SPMD have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPLS or SPMD?

SPMD has higher volatility (5.07%) compared to VPLS (1.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPLS dropped -4.17% vs SPMD's -57.62%.

Which ETF is better, VPLS or SPMD?

On 1-year performance, SPMD leads with 28.46% vs 5.74% for VPLS. On fees, SPMD is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 1.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPLS or SPMD?

Over the 1-year period, SPMD has performed better with a 28.46% return vs 5.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPLS or SPMD?

SPMD is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VPLS or SPMD?

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.74%, compared with 1.21% for SPMD.

What is the main difference between VPLS and SPMD?

VPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while SPMD is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for VPLS and 0.05% for SPMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.61), 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.