QTJA vs SPY
Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTJA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $21M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.72% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.62% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.83% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QTJA vs SPY Performance
Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January (QTJA) 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 QTJA returned +19.62% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, QTJA is up 12.72% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, QTJA compounded at +17.83% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +5.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTJA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -36.1% for QTJA 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTJA 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, QTJA currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTJA or SPY?
QTJA 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, QTJA or SPY?
Over the past year QTJA returned +19.62% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QTJA annualized +5.85% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTJA or SPY?
QTJA has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QTJA -36.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QTJA and SPY?
QTJA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTJA or SPY?
QTJA yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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