APRJ vs SPY
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - April 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 | APRJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $32M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.82% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.22% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.52% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.18% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
APRJ vs SPY Performance
Innovator Premium Income 30 Barrier ETF - April (APRJ) 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 APRJ returned +0.52% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, APRJ is up 1.22% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, APRJ compounded at +4.18% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.3% for APRJ. 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 -4.7% for APRJ 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APRJ 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, APRJ currently yields 4.82% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, APRJ or SPY?
APRJ 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, APRJ or SPY?
Over the past year APRJ returned +0.52% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APRJ annualized +4.63% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APRJ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.3% for APRJ. Worst drawdown: APRJ -4.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both APRJ and SPY?
APRJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, APRJ or SPY?
APRJ yields 4.82% while SPY yields 1.01%, so APRJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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