NJAN vs SPY
Innovator Growth 100 Power Buffer ETF - January 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NJAN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $351M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.03% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.47% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.10% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.68% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 1, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NJAN vs SPY Performance
Innovator Growth 100 Power Buffer ETF - January (NJAN) 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 NJAN returned +14.47% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, NJAN is up 9.03% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, NJAN compounded at +14.10% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.68% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +8.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.1% for NJAN. 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 -20.7% for NJAN 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NJAN 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, NJAN currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NJAN or SPY?
NJAN 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, NJAN or SPY?
Over the past year NJAN returned +14.47% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NJAN annualized +8.35% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NJAN or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for NJAN. Worst drawdown: NJAN -20.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NJAN and SPY?
NJAN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NJAN or SPY?
NJAN yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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