ETHA vs SPY
ETHA vs SPY
iShares Ethereum 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 | ETHA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -38.63% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -50.63% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 73.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ETHA vs SPY Performance
iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ETHA returned -50.63% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, ETHA is down 38.63% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETHA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 73.9% 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 -67.9% for ETHA 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
ETHA charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETHA currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETHA or SPY?
ETHA has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETHA or SPY?
Over the past year ETHA returned -50.63% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ETHA annualized -25.31% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETHA or SPY?
ETHA has been the more volatile fund at 73.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ETHA -67.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ETHA and SPY?
ETHA 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, ETHA or SPY?
ETHA yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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