BOAT vs SPY
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BOAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOAT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $86M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +52.77% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.27% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.25% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.52% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Lucania Investments LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 3, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BOAT vs SPY Performance
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) is a ETF from Lucania Investments LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BOAT returned +62.27% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, BOAT is up 52.77% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, BOAT compounded at +29.25% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +24.52% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BOAT has the edge at +26.30% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -33.9% for BOAT 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOAT charges 0.69% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $9 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOAT currently yields 6.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BOAT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 556 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, BOAT or SPY?
BOAT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOAT or SPY?
Over the past year BOAT returned +62.27% vs +21.71% for SPY, so BOAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BOAT annualized +26.30% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOAT or SPY?
BOAT has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BOAT -33.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BOAT and SPY?
BOAT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOAT and SPY?
BOAT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 556 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOAT or SPY?
BOAT yields 6.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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