SPY vs TLT
SPY vs TLT · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | SPY | TLT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $655.83 | $86.79 | — |
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.15% | SPY |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A | — |
| AUM | $698.3B | $45.4B | SPY |
Performance Comparison
| Period | SPY | TLT |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -3.48% | -1.86% |
| 3M | -4.38% | +0.34% |
| 6M | -1.44% | -0.72% |
| YTD | -3.56% | +0.69% |
| 1Y | +31.28% | -2.29% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | TLT | $0.35 |
| March 20, 2026 | SPY | $1.80 |
| March 2, 2026 | TLT | $0.30 |
| February 2, 2026 | TLT | $0.33 |
| December 19, 2025 | SPY | $1.99 |
| December 19, 2025 | TLT | $0.34 |
| December 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.32 |
| November 3, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| October 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.31 |
| September 19, 2025 | SPY | $1.83 |
| September 2, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| August 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| July 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| June 20, 2025 | SPY | $1.76 |
| June 2, 2025 | TLT | $0.32 |
| May 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| March 21, 2025 | SPY | $1.70 |
| December 20, 2024 | SPY | $1.97 |
| September 20, 2024 | SPY | $1.75 |
| June 21, 2024 | SPY | $1.76 |
Key Differences
SPY and TLT serve different roles in many portfolios. Understanding the specific differences in cost, performance, and risk profile can help clarify which fund aligns with different investment objectives.
SPY charges an expense ratio of 0.09%, which is lower than TLT's 0.15%. This 0.06% difference translates to approximately $55.50 per year on a $100,000 investment. Over a 30-year period, the compounding effect of lower fees could result in a difference of roughly $2,497.50.
SPY is the larger fund with $698.3B in assets under management — roughly 15.4x the size of TLT's $45.4B. Larger AUM generally correlates with higher trading volume, tighter bid-ask spreads, and lower trading costs for investors.
The data above reflects the most recent available information. Market conditions change frequently, and investors should verify current figures before making decisions.
How to Compare SPY and TLT
- If minimizing costs is a priority, compare the expense ratios: SPY charges 0.09% and TLT charges 0.15%.
- For liquidity, larger funds with higher AUM typically have tighter bid-ask spreads and more efficient trading.
- Review historical performance across different time periods (1-month to 5-year) to understand how each has performed in various market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SPY or TLT a better investment?
Whether SPY or TLT is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. SPY and TLT differ in key metrics like expense ratio, dividend yield, and assets under management. This page provides objective data to help you compare the two.
What is the expense ratio difference between SPY and TLT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while TLT charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 investment, this 0.06% difference costs approximately $5.55 per year.
Which fund is larger, SPY or TLT?
SPY has $698.3B in assets under management, making it the larger fund. Larger funds tend to have better liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads.
What are the risks of investing in SPY vs TLT?
Both SPY and TLT carry market risk — their values can decline during market downturns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consider factors like volatility, sector concentration, and your own risk tolerance when evaluating either investment.
See how expense ratio differences affect your returns over time → Expense Ratio Calculator