EJUL 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

MetricEJULSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.89%0.09%
AUM$180M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return+4.54%+14.47%
1Y Return+10.40%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.80%+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.69%+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)9.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-21.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 28, 2019Jan 22, 1993

EJUL vs SPY Performance

Innovator Emerging Markets Power Buffer ETF - July (EJUL) 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 EJUL returned +10.40% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, EJUL is up 4.54% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Over three years, EJUL compounded at +10.80% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.69% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +3.03%. 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 9.3% for EJUL. 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 -21.6% for EJUL 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EJUL or SPY?

EJUL 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, EJUL or SPY?

Over the past year EJUL returned +10.40% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), EJUL annualized +3.03% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EJUL or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.3% for EJUL. Worst drawdown: EJUL -21.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both EJUL and SPY?

EJUL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, EJUL or SPY?

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

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