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SPY vs VTI: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VTI delivered the higher return - 9.54% CAGR vs 9.29% - over 2001-07-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| SPY | VTI | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF |
| CAGR | 9.29% | 9.54% |
| Total return | 827.42% | 882.97% |
| Volatility | 14.95% | 15.35% |
| Max drawdown | -50.78%Feb 2009 | -50.84%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.56 | 0.56 |
| Sortino | 0.77 | 0.77 |
| Best year | 32.31% | 33.45% |
| Worst year | -36.79% | -36.99% |
| Final balance | $92,742 | $98,297 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 1.00. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, SPY or VTI?
Over 2001-07-31 to 2026-07-31, VTI performed better: 9.54% annualized versus 9.29% for SPY, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are SPY and VTI?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 1.00 over the common period. SPY is State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust; VTI is Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF.
Which is riskier, SPY or VTI?
Over the common period SPY had 14.95% annualized volatility and a -50.78% max drawdown, versus 15.35% and -50.84% for VTI.