ITOT vs SPTM: Head-to-Head Comparison
ITOT vs SPTM: iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF charges 0.03%. ITOT holds 2,500 securities vs SPTM's 1,500. 5-year returns: 13.50% vs 13.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
Total Market
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITOT | SPTM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $60.0B | $10.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.40% |
| Holdings | 2,500 | 1,500 |
| 1-Year Return | 21.00% | 20.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 13.50% | 13.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 11.50% | 11.50% |
| Beta | 1.01 | 1.01 |
| P/E Ratio | 24.5 | 24.0 |
ITOT 5-year annualized return is 13.50% compared to SPTM's 13.00%. Over 10 years, ITOT returned 11.50% vs SPTM's 11.50%.
View data table
| Period | ITOT Return | SPTM Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.10% | 3.00% |
| 1 Year | 21.00% | 20.00% |
| 3 Year | 9.50% | 9.50% |
| 5 Year | 13.50% | 13.00% |
| 10 Year | 11.50% | 11.50% |
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%).
ITOT vs SPTM multi-factor comparison: ITOT has a 0.03% expense ratio, 13.50% 5-year return, 2,500 holdings, 1.01 beta, and 1.40% yield. SPTM has 0.03% expense ratio, 13.00% 5-year return, 1,500 holdings, 1.01 beta, and 1.40% yield.
View data table
| Metric | ITOT | SPTM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 13.50% | 13.00% |
| Holdings | 2,500 | 1,500 |
| Beta | 1.01 | 1.01 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.40% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
100%
Holdings Overlap
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.
ITOT and SPTM share 100% of their top holdings (high overlap). ITOT has 2,500 total holdings and SPTM has 1,500. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | ITOT | SPTM |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 100% | 100% |
| Unique Holdings | 0% | 0% |
| Total Holdings | 2,500 | 1,500 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
ITOT
Fee cost: $258
SPTM
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, ITOT (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351 while SPTM (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | ITOT Value | SPTM Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,673 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,529 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,590 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $46,351 |
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
Should I buy ITOT or SPTM?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. ITOT is best for investors who want core portfolio builders wanting total u.s. market exposure at rock-bottom cost, while SPTM is better suited for minimalists who want total u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund.
What is the difference between ITOT and SPTM?▾
ITOT (iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF) tracks us total market investments with 2,500 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. SPTM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF) focuses on us total market with 1,500 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 100%.
Can I own both ITOT and SPTM?▾
Since ITOT and SPTM have 100% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.