AIO vs SPY
Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AIO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +27.40% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.26% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.16% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AIO vs SPY Performance
Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (AIO) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AIO returned +22.91% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, AIO is up 27.40% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, AIO compounded at +26.26% per year against +21.83% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.16% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AIO has the edge at +14.62% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -45.2% for AIO 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIO charges 1.47% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $147 vs $9 annually, a gap of $138 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIO currently yields 11.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AIO and SPY share 42 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIO or SPY?
AIO has an expense ratio of 1.47% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $138 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIO or SPY?
Over the past year AIO returned +22.91% vs +20.57% for SPY, so AIO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AIO annualized +14.62% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIO or SPY?
AIO has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AIO -45.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AIO and SPY?
AIO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIO and SPY?
AIO and SPY share 42 common holdings with a 24.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIO or SPY?
AIO yields 11.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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