PLTY vs SPY
YieldMax PLTR 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 | PLTY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $332M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 127.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.95% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.60% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 7, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PLTY vs SPY Performance
YieldMax PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF (PLTY) 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 PLTY returned +0.60% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, PLTY is up 9.95% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.0% 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 -41.4% for PLTY 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLTY charges 1.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $9 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLTY currently yields 127.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PLTY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, PLTY or SPY?
PLTY has an expense ratio of 1.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLTY or SPY?
Over the past year PLTY returned +0.60% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PLTY annualized +75.05% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLTY or SPY?
PLTY has been the more volatile fund at 52.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PLTY -41.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PLTY and SPY?
PLTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PLTY and SPY?
PLTY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLTY or SPY?
PLTY yields 127.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PLTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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