ACEI vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricACEISPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.09%
AUM$42M$789.1B
Dividend Yield8.76%1.01%
Holdings13505
YTD Return+4.46%+13.68%
1Y Return+4.02%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-9.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 24, 2025Jan 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 +4.02% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ACEI is up 4.46% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

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.

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 8.76% 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 +4.02% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which pays a higher dividend, ACEI or SPY?

ACEI yields 8.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ACEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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