SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

      We, James E. Ross, President and Principal Executive Officer, and Gary L.
French, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, of the SPDR(R) Series Trust
(the "registrant"), certify that:

      1.    The report on Form N-CSR of the registrant (the "Report") fully
            complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
            Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

      2.    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
            material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
            of the registrant.

By:   /s/ James E. Ross
      -----------------------------------
      James E. Ross
      President and Principal Executive Officer

Date: February 20, 2009

By:   /s/ Gary L. French
      -----------------------------------
      Gary L. French
      Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

Date: February 20, 2009