DDFN vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDDFNSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.09%
AUM$75M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings7505
YTD Return+5.98%+13.68%
1Y Return-+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-3.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 3, 2025Jan 22, 1993

DDFN vs SPY Performance

Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - November (DDFN) 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. Year to date, DDFN is up 5.98% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.4% for DDFN and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DDFN charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDFN currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DDFN or SPY?

DDFN has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.

Which pays a higher dividend, DDFN or SPY?

DDFN yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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