ITAN vs SPY
Sparkline Intangible Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ITAN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITAN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $106M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 160 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.70% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.79% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Sparkline Capital | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ITAN vs SPY Performance
Sparkline Intangible Value ETF (ITAN) is a ETF from Sparkline Capital and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ITAN returned +36.67% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ITAN is up 21.70% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ITAN compounded at +23.79% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ITAN has the edge at +13.18% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ITAN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -30.4% for ITAN 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITAN charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITAN currently yields 1.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ITAN and SPY share 98 holdings out of 562 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ITAN or SPY?
ITAN has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITAN or SPY?
Over the past year ITAN returned +36.67% vs +21.96% for SPY, so ITAN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ITAN annualized +13.18% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITAN or SPY?
ITAN has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ITAN -30.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ITAN and SPY?
ITAN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ITAN and SPY?
ITAN and SPY share 98 common holdings with a 16.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITAN or SPY?
ITAN yields 1.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ITAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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