OARK vs SPY
YieldMax Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF 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 | OARK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $31M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 62.19% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.32% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.70% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.35% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 22, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
OARK vs SPY Performance
YieldMax Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF (OARK) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year OARK returned +9.70% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, OARK is up 4.32% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, OARK compounded at +14.35% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, OARK has the edge at +11.65% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.4% 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 -35.5% for OARK 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OARK charges 1.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $9 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OARK currently yields 62.19% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
OARK and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, OARK or SPY?
OARK has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OARK or SPY?
Over the past year OARK returned +9.70% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), OARK annualized +11.65% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OARK or SPY?
OARK has been the more volatile fund at 29.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: OARK -35.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both OARK and SPY?
OARK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between OARK and SPY?
OARK and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OARK or SPY?
OARK yields 62.19% while SPY yields 1.01%, so OARK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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