IPOS vs SPY
Renaissance International IPO ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IPOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IPOS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $12M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +37.08% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.10% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.79% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.91% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Renaissance Capital | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IPOS vs SPY Performance
Renaissance International IPO ETF (IPOS) is a ETF from Renaissance Capital and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IPOS returned +48.10% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, IPOS is up 37.08% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, IPOS compounded at +17.79% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -5.91% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +1.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -73.1% for IPOS 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPOS charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPOS currently yields 0.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IPOS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 554 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, IPOS or SPY?
IPOS has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPOS or SPY?
Over the past year IPOS returned +48.10% vs +21.71% for SPY, so IPOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IPOS annualized +1.60% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPOS or SPY?
IPOS has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IPOS -73.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IPOS and SPY?
IPOS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPOS and SPY?
IPOS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 554 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPOS or SPY?
IPOS yields 0.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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