IONL vs SPY
GraniteShares 2x Long IONQ Daily 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 | IONL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $88M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -59.05% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -55.63% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 209.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IONL vs SPY Performance
GraniteShares 2x Long IONQ Daily ETF (IONL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IONL returned -55.63% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IONL is down 59.05% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IONL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 209.7% 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 -93.5% for IONL 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IONL charges 1.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $9 annually, a gap of $141 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IONL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IONL 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, IONL or SPY?
IONL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $141 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IONL or SPY?
Over the past year IONL returned -55.63% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IONL annualized -29.27% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IONL or SPY?
IONL has been the more volatile fund at 209.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IONL -93.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IONL and SPY?
IONL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IONL and SPY?
IONL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IONL or SPY?
IONL yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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