ITOT vs SPTM: Head-to-Head Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Differences Between ITOT and SPTM

ITOT (iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF) is a us total market fund managed by BlackRock. ITOT tracks the S&P Total Market Index, providing exposure to the entire U.S. stock market including large, mid, small, and micro-cap companies in a single fund. With over 2,500 holdings, it captures virtually all investable U.S. stocks at an ultra-low expense ratio. This fund is an ideal core holding for investors who want complete U.S. equity market coverage without worrying about which size segment to favor.

SPTM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF) is a us total market fund managed by State Street. SPTM tracks the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which combines the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, and S&P SmallCap 600 into one fund covering the full range of U.S. stock market capitalization. It offers near-total market coverage at an ultra-low cost, with the added benefit of S&P's profitability screening across all size segments. This is a one-stop shop for U.S. stock exposure.

The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (2,500 vs 1,500), and 5-year returns (13.50% vs 13.00%).

Holdings Overlap Analysis

ITOT and SPTM share 100% of their top holdings. This means they are very similar funds — owning both would result in significant duplication in your portfolio. For most beginners, choosing one is sufficient.

Cost Comparison Over Time

If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):

Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.

Which One Should a Beginner Choose?

Choose ITOT if: You want core portfolio builders wanting total u.s. market exposure at rock-bottom cost, investors who prefer ishares over vanguard for their total market allocation, simple three-fund portfolio strategies pairing u.s., international, and bonds. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.03%.

Choose SPTM if: You want minimalists who want total u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, investors who value s&p quality screens across all company sizes, tax-efficient portfolios wanting to minimize the number of holdings to track. It's managed by State Street with an expense ratio of 0.03%.

Can You Own Both ITOT and SPTM?

With 100% holdings overlap, owning both means you're essentially doubling down on the same stocks. For beginners, we recommend picking one to keep things simple. If you want more diversification, consider pairing your choice with an international ETF like VXUS or a bond ETF like BND instead.

Frequently Asked Questions