BLOK vs SPY
Amplify Blockchain Technology 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLOK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.59% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.19% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +43.96% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 16, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BLOK vs SPY Performance
Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BLOK returned +8.19% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, BLOK is up 4.59% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, BLOK compounded at +43.96% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.67% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BLOK has the edge at +15.91% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLOK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.1% 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 -73.3% for BLOK 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLOK charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLOK currently yields 0.82% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BLOK and SPY share 14 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLOK or SPY?
BLOK has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLOK or SPY?
Over the past year BLOK returned +8.19% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BLOK annualized +15.91% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLOK or SPY?
BLOK has been the more volatile fund at 40.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BLOK -73.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BLOK and SPY?
BLOK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLOK and SPY?
BLOK and SPY share 14 common holdings with a 8.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLOK or SPY?
BLOK yields 0.82% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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