FIAT vs SPY

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: FIATMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFIATSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.05%0.09%
AUM$34M$789.1B
Dividend Yield90.65%1.01%
Holdings18505
YTD Return+21.51%+13.68%
1Y Return+46.96%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)55.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-70.5%-56.5%
Fund FamilyYieldMax ETFState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 9, 2024Jan 22, 1993

FIAT vs SPY Performance

YieldMax Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF (FIAT) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FIAT returned +46.96% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FIAT is up 21.51% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

FIAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.5% 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 -70.5% for FIAT 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 -0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FIAT charges 1.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $9 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIAT currently yields 90.65% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FIAT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FIAT or SPY?

FIAT has an expense ratio of 1.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FIAT or SPY?

Over the past year FIAT returned +46.96% vs +21.53% for SPY, so FIAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FIAT annualized -19.16% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FIAT or SPY?

FIAT has been the more volatile fund at 55.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FIAT -70.5% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both FIAT and SPY?

FIAT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FIAT and SPY?

FIAT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FIAT or SPY?

FIAT yields 90.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FIAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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