EBUF vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEBUFSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.89%0.09%
AUM$41M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return+9.37%+13.75%
1Y Return+14.41%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)4.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-6.5%-56.5%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 1, 2024Jan 22, 1993

EBUF vs SPY Performance

Innovator Emerging Markets 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (EBUF) 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 EBUF returned +14.41% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, EBUF is up 9.37% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.5% for EBUF. 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 -6.5% for EBUF 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EBUF 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, EBUF currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EBUF or SPY?

EBUF 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, EBUF or SPY?

Over the past year EBUF returned +14.41% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EBUF annualized +11.73% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EBUF or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for EBUF. Worst drawdown: EBUF -6.5% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both EBUF and SPY?

EBUF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, EBUF or SPY?

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

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