PJUL vs SPY
Innovator US Equity Power 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PJUL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.42% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.43% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.15% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.69% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 7, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PJUL vs SPY Performance
Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - July (PJUL) 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 PJUL returned +11.43% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, PJUL is up 7.42% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, PJUL compounded at +13.15% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.69% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PJUL has the edge at +9.07% annualized vs +8.87%. 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 8.4% for PJUL. 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 -18.2% for PJUL 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PJUL 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, PJUL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PJUL or SPY?
PJUL 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, PJUL or SPY?
Over the past year PJUL returned +11.43% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PJUL annualized +9.07% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PJUL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.4% for PJUL. Worst drawdown: PJUL -18.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PJUL and SPY?
PJUL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, PJUL or SPY?
PJUL yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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