IPAY vs SPY
Amplify Digital Payments 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 | IPAY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $188M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.04% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.38% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.87% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.56% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IPAY vs SPY Performance
Amplify Digital Payments ETF (IPAY) 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 IPAY returned -10.38% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, IPAY is up 1.04% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, IPAY compounded at +7.87% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -5.56% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +6.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.3% 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 -51.8% for IPAY 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPAY charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPAY currently yields 0.82% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IPAY and SPY share 11 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IPAY or SPY?
IPAY has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPAY or SPY?
Over the past year IPAY returned -10.38% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IPAY annualized +6.95% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPAY or SPY?
IPAY has been the more volatile fund at 23.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IPAY -51.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IPAY and SPY?
IPAY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPAY and SPY?
IPAY and SPY share 11 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPAY or SPY?
IPAY yields 0.82% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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