LITL vs SPY
Simplify Piper Sandler US Small-Cap PLUS Income ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. LITL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LITL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.26% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.29% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LITL vs SPY Performance
Simplify Piper Sandler US Small-Cap PLUS Income ETF (LITL) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LITL returned +28.29% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, LITL is up 19.26% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.3% for LITL. 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 -9.3% for LITL 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LITL charges 0.91% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $9 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LITL currently yields 1.50% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LITL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 644 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, LITL or SPY?
LITL has an expense ratio of 0.91% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LITL or SPY?
Over the past year LITL returned +28.29% vs +21.53% for SPY, so LITL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), LITL annualized +30.41% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LITL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for LITL. Worst drawdown: LITL -9.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LITL and SPY?
LITL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LITL and SPY?
LITL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 644 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LITL or SPY?
LITL yields 1.50% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LITL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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