LJUL vs SPY
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LJUL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $8M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.21% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.08% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.95% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LJUL vs SPY Performance
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July (LJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LJUL returned +1.95% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, LJUL is up 0.08% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.2% for LJUL. 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 -3.2% for LJUL 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LJUL charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LJUL currently yields 5.21% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LJUL or SPY?
LJUL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LJUL or SPY?
Over the past year LJUL returned +1.95% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LJUL annualized +4.13% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LJUL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.2% for LJUL. Worst drawdown: LJUL -3.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LJUL and SPY?
LJUL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, LJUL or SPY?
LJUL yields 5.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LJUL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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