LIT vs SPY
Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. LIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LIT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.72% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.17% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.13% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.91% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LIT vs SPY Performance
Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LIT returned +61.13% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, LIT is up 12.17% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, LIT compounded at +9.65% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.91% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% 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 -65.9% for LIT 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LIT 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, LIT currently yields 0.72% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LIT or SPY?
LIT 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, LIT or SPY?
Over the past year LIT returned +61.13% vs +20.62% for SPY, so LIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), LIT annualized +5.60% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LIT or SPY?
LIT has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LIT -65.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LIT and SPY?
LIT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LIT and SPY?
LIT and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LIT or SPY?
LIT yields 0.72% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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