QBUF vs SPY
Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly 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 | QBUF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $161M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.32% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.07% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QBUF vs SPY Performance
Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) 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 QBUF returned +10.07% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, QBUF is up 5.32% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.5% for QBUF. 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 -8.8% for QBUF 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QBUF 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, QBUF currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QBUF or SPY?
QBUF 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, QBUF or SPY?
Over the past year QBUF returned +10.07% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QBUF annualized +10.73% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QBUF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for QBUF. Worst drawdown: QBUF -8.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QBUF and SPY?
QBUF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QBUF or SPY?
QBUF yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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