BITX vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBITXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio2.38%0.09%
AUM$927M$789.1B
Dividend Yield37.27%1.01%
Holdings3505
YTD Return-57.33%+13.79%
1Y Return-78.36%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.64%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)105.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-83.5%-56.5%
Fund FamilyVolatility Shares, LLCState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 27, 2023Jan 22, 1993

BITX vs SPY Performance

2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX) is a ETF from Volatility Shares, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BITX returned -78.36% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BITX is down 57.33% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, BITX compounded at +5.64% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BITX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 105.3% 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 -83.5% for BITX 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BITX charges 2.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $238 vs $9 annually, a gap of $229 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BITX currently yields 37.27% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BITX or SPY?

BITX has an expense ratio of 2.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $229 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BITX or SPY?

Over the past year BITX returned -78.36% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BITX annualized +2.10% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BITX or SPY?

BITX has been the more volatile fund at 105.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BITX -83.5% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both BITX and SPY?

BITX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BITX or SPY?

BITX yields 37.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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