VT vs. SPGM

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) and SPGM (SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF) are both Global Equities funds - VT tracks the FTSE Global All Cap Index while SPGM tracks the MSCI ACWI IMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VT returned 12.84%/yr vs 12.98%/yr for SPGM. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VT charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPGM.

Performance

VT vs. SPGM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VT achieves a 12.44% return, which is significantly lower than SPGM's 13.09% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VT having a 12.84% annualized return and SPGM not far ahead at 12.98%.

VT

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: 2.33%
• YTD: 12.44%
• 6M: 12.88%
• 1Y: 29.08%
• 3Y*: 19.80%
• 5Y*: 11.47%
• 10Y*: 12.84%

SPGM

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: 13.09%
• 6M: 13.34%
• 1Y: 31.55%
• 3Y*: 20.27%
• 5Y*: 12.05%
• 10Y*: 12.98%

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

VT vs. SPGM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	12.44%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%
SPGM SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF	13.09%	23.62%	16.75%	21.34%	-17.53%	21.13%	15.28%	26.58%	-10.12%	23.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and SPGM 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 5, 2012	0.83

The correlation between VT and SPGM shifts across timeframes, from 0.83 (all time) to 0.99 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VT vs. SPGM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VT	SPGM
Technology	27.8%	30.7%
Financial Services	15.9%	15.7%
Industrials	12.0%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	9.0%
Communication Services	8.3%	8.2%
Healthcare	8.1%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.5%
Energy	4.3%	4.0%
Basic Materials	4.2%	3.8%
Utilities	2.7%	2.0%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VT vs. SPGM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 70
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 74

SPGM

SPGM Risk / Return Rank: 76
SPGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
SPGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SPGM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SPGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
SPGM Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VT vs. SPGM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM). 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.

	VT	SPGM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	2.33	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	3.15	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.42	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	3.34	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.14	14.71	-1.57

VT vs. SPGM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the SPGM Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT and SPGM, 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

VT vs. SPGM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, which is greater than SPGM's maximum drawdown of -33.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and SPGM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	SPGM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-33.97%	-16.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-9.50%	-0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-16.90%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	-25.93%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	-33.97%	-0.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-0.68%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.01%	-4.80%	-2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	2.15%	+0.07%

Volatility

VT vs. SPGM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) have volatilities of 5.36% and 5.42%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	VT	SPGM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.36%	5.42%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.17%	11.34%	-0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.42%	13.61%	-0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.17%	16.15%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.28%	17.60%	-0.32%

VT vs. SPGM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VT has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SPGM's 0.09% 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

VT vs. SPGM - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.95%, more than SPGM's 1.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPGM SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF	1.79%	1.89%	1.98%	2.09%	2.37%	1.94%	1.45%	2.46%	1.89%	2.29%	1.87%	3.70%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.95%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VT and SPGM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VT and SPGM 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, VT or SPGM?

SPGM has higher volatility (5.42%) compared to VT (5.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs SPGM's -33.97%.

Which ETF is better, VT or SPGM?

On 10-year performance, SPGM leads with 12.98% vs 12.84% for VT. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VT or SPGM?

Over the 10-year period, SPGM has performed better with a 12.98% return vs 12.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VT or SPGM?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for SPGM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VT or SPGM?

VT has the higher dividend yield at 1.95%, compared with 1.79% for SPGM.

What is the main difference between VT and SPGM?

VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index, while SPGM tracks MSCI ACWI IMI Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VT and 0.09% for SPGM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPGM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.18), 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.