LITP vs SPY
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. LITP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LITP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $41M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.94% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -7.68% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.07% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.71% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LITP vs SPY Performance
Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (LITP) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LITP returned +60.07% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, LITP is down 7.68% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, LITP compounded at -2.71% per year against +22.10% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -9.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LITP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.7% 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 -73.2% for LITP 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LITP charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LITP currently yields 8.94% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LITP and SPY share 1 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in LITP | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 9.64% | 0.02% | 9.62% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LITP or SPY?
LITP has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LITP or SPY?
Over the past year LITP returned +60.07% vs +21.71% for SPY, so LITP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), LITP annualized -9.06% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LITP or SPY?
LITP has been the more volatile fund at 44.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LITP -73.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LITP and SPY?
LITP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LITP and SPY?
LITP and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LITP or SPY?
LITP yields 8.94% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LITP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.