BITO vs SPY
ProShares Bitcoin 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 | BITO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 75.49% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -29.00% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -46.83% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 56.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BITO vs SPY Performance
ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BITO returned -46.83% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BITO is down 29.00% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, BITO compounded at +21.51% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -5.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BITO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 56.1% 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 -77.9% for BITO 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BITO charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BITO currently yields 75.49% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BITO 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, BITO or SPY?
BITO has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BITO or SPY?
Over the past year BITO returned -46.83% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BITO annualized -5.04% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BITO or SPY?
BITO has been the more volatile fund at 56.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BITO -77.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BITO and SPY?
BITO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BITO and SPY?
BITO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BITO or SPY?
BITO yields 75.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BITO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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