IMST vs SPY
Bitwise MSTR Option Income Strategy 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 | IMST | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 252.16% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -32.44% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -70.05% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Bitwise | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IMST vs SPY Performance
Bitwise MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (IMST) is a ETF from Bitwise and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IMST returned -70.05% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, IMST is down 32.44% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.9% 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 -75.6% for IMST 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMST charges 0.98% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $9 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMST currently yields 252.16% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMST or SPY?
IMST has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMST or SPY?
Over the past year IMST returned -70.05% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IMST annualized -51.17% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMST or SPY?
IMST has been the more volatile fund at 48.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IMST -75.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IMST and SPY?
IMST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMST or SPY?
IMST yields 252.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IMST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.