BSTP vs SPY
Innovator Buffer Step Up Strategy 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 | BSTP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $60M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.25% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.39% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.84% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BSTP vs SPY Performance
Innovator Buffer Step Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BSTP returned +13.39% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BSTP is up 8.25% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BSTP compounded at +13.84% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, BSTP has the edge at +10.99% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.0% for BSTP. 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 -16.7% for BSTP 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSTP charges 0.89% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $9 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSTP currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSTP or SPY?
BSTP has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSTP or SPY?
Over the past year BSTP returned +13.39% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BSTP annualized +10.99% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSTP or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.0% for BSTP. Worst drawdown: BSTP -16.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BSTP and SPY?
BSTP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSTP or SPY?
BSTP yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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