BABX vs SPY
GraniteShares 2x Long BABA Daily 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BABX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $97M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -43.90% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -19.45% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.55% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 95.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BABX vs SPY Performance
GraniteShares 2x Long BABA Daily ETF (BABX) is a ETF from GraniteShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BABX returned -19.45% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BABX is down 43.90% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BABX compounded at -0.55% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -3.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BABX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 95.4% 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 -78.8% for BABX 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BABX charges 1.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $115 vs $9 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BABX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BABX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BABX or SPY?
BABX has an expense ratio of 1.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BABX or SPY?
Over the past year BABX returned -19.45% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BABX annualized -3.56% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BABX or SPY?
BABX has been the more volatile fund at 95.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BABX -78.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BABX and SPY?
BABX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BABX and SPY?
BABX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BABX or SPY?
BABX yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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