BTC vs SPY
Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust 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 | BTC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -29.49% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -47.15% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 45.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Grayscale | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BTC vs SPY Performance
Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC) is a ETF from Grayscale and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BTC returned -47.15% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BTC is down 29.49% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.2% 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 -53.3% for BTC 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTC charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTC currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BTC or SPY?
BTC has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTC or SPY?
Over the past year BTC returned -47.15% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BTC annualized -1.59% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTC or SPY?
BTC has been the more volatile fund at 45.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BTC -53.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BTC and SPY?
BTC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTC or SPY?
BTC yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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