INVN vs SPY
Alger Russell Innovation ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. INVN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INVN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.08% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.23% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Alger | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
INVN vs SPY Performance
Alger Russell Innovation ETF (INVN) is a ETF from Alger and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year INVN returned +33.23% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, INVN is up 24.08% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INVN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -26.0% for INVN 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INVN charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INVN currently yields 0.29% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
INVN and SPY share 15 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INVN or SPY?
INVN has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INVN or SPY?
Over the past year INVN returned +33.23% vs +21.96% for SPY, so INVN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), INVN annualized +19.53% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INVN or SPY?
INVN has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: INVN -26.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both INVN and SPY?
INVN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INVN and SPY?
INVN and SPY share 15 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INVN or SPY?
INVN yields 0.29% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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