IBUY vs SPY
Amplify Online Retail 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBUY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $129M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.59% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.64% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.83% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.86% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBUY vs SPY Performance
Amplify Online Retail ETF (IBUY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IBUY returned +1.64% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IBUY is down 0.59% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, IBUY compounded at +16.83% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -7.86% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, IBUY has the edge at +10.96% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IBUY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.9% 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 -73.0% for IBUY 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBUY charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBUY currently yields 0.43% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBUY and SPY share 20 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IBUY or SPY?
IBUY has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBUY or SPY?
Over the past year IBUY returned +1.64% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IBUY annualized +10.96% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBUY or SPY?
IBUY has been the more volatile fund at 28.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IBUY -73.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBUY and SPY?
IBUY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBUY and SPY?
IBUY and SPY share 20 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBUY or SPY?
IBUY yields 0.43% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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