AIPO vs SPY
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AIPO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIPO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $865M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +32.53% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.63% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AIPO vs SPY Performance
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AIPO returned +48.63% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, AIPO is up 32.53% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIPO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.4% 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 -24.4% for AIPO 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIPO charges 0.69% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $9 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIPO currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AIPO and SPY share 21 holdings out of 564 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIPO or SPY?
AIPO has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIPO or SPY?
Over the past year AIPO returned +48.63% vs +21.96% for SPY, so AIPO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AIPO annualized +47.74% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIPO or SPY?
AIPO has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AIPO -24.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AIPO and SPY?
AIPO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIPO and SPY?
AIPO and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 10.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIPO or SPY?
AIPO yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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