Why do SPY and VTI often move together?

Large-cap stocks dominate U.S. market cap, so VTI’s return is heavily influenced by the same companies that drive SPY. Differences show up when mid- and small-caps lead or lag.

How is the SPY vs VTI chart calculated?

Each ETF starts at $10,000 using historical daily closes. Stock splits adjust share count. With DRIP on, dividends buy additional shares on ex-dividend days. Ending value, total return, and annual return are derived from that path.

Is this investment advice?

No. Results are historical illustrations only and do not predict future performance or constitute personalized investment, tax, or financial advice.

SPY vs VTI historical returns (dividends reinvested)

$10,000 starting capital · DRIP on · history from 2001-05-31 to 2026-10-13

SPY holds large-cap S&P 500 companies; VTI covers the total U.S. stock market, including mid- and small-caps. Compare how breadth beyond the largest names would have changed a $10,000 investment over time.

VTIUSD

Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF

From 2001-05-31 to 2026-10-13

10,000→103,537

Total return +935.37% · Annual return +9.65%

SPYUSD

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

From 2001-05-31 to 2026-10-13

10,000→97,594

Total return +875.94% · Annual return +9.4%

Portfolio value

2001-05-31→2026-10-13

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Frequently asked questions

Why do SPY and VTI often move together?: Large-cap stocks dominate U.S. market cap, so VTI’s return is heavily influenced by the same companies that drive SPY. Differences show up when mid- and small-caps lead or lag.
How is the SPY vs VTI chart calculated?: Each ETF starts at $10,000 using historical daily closes. Stock splits adjust share count. With DRIP on, dividends buy additional shares on ex-dividend days. Ending value, total return, and annual return are derived from that path.
Is this investment advice?: No. Results are historical illustrations only and do not predict future performance or constitute personalized investment, tax, or financial advice.

Related ETF comparisons

$10,000 backtest with optional dividend reinvestment.

Historical illustration only — not investment advice. Back to the ETF return calculator.

SPY vs VTI historical returns (dividends reinvested)

$10,000 starting capital · DRIP on · history from 2001-05-31 to 2026-10-13

VTIUSD

Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF

From 2001-05-31 to 2026-10-13

10,000→103,537

Total return +935.37% · Annual return +9.65%

SPYUSD

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

From 2001-05-31 to 2026-10-13

10,000→97,594

Total return +875.94% · Annual return +9.4%

Portfolio value

2001-05-31→2026-10-13

Loading chart…

Frequently asked questions

Why do SPY and VTI often move together?: Large-cap stocks dominate U.S. market cap, so VTI’s return is heavily influenced by the same companies that drive SPY. Differences show up when mid- and small-caps lead or lag.
How is the SPY vs VTI chart calculated?: Each ETF starts at $10,000 using historical daily closes. Stock splits adjust share count. With DRIP on, dividends buy additional shares on ex-dividend days. Ending value, total return, and annual return are derived from that path.
Is this investment advice?: No. Results are historical illustrations only and do not predict future performance or constitute personalized investment, tax, or financial advice.

Related ETF comparisons

$10,000 backtest with optional dividend reinvestment.

Historical illustration only — not investment advice. Back to the ETF return calculator.