ACEI vs SPY
Innovator Equity Autocallable Income Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACEI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $48M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.98% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.87% | +12.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.43% | +20.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ACEI vs SPY Performance
Innovator Equity Autocallable Income Strategy ETF (ACEI) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ACEI returned +4.43% while SPY returned +20.30%. Year to date, ACEI is up 4.87% versus a gain of 12.10% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.7% for ACEI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -9.3% for ACEI and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACEI charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACEI currently yields 9.98% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACEI or SPY?
ACEI has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACEI or SPY?
Over the past year ACEI returned +4.43% vs +20.30% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACEI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.7% for ACEI. Worst drawdown: ACEI -9.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ACEI and SPY?
ACEI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACEI or SPY?
ACEI yields 9.98% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ACEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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