ROKT vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ROKT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROKT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $233M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +36.29% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +75.38% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.81% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.43% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 19, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ROKT vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ROKT returned +75.38% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, ROKT is up 36.29% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, ROKT compounded at +41.81% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +24.43% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ROKT has the edge at +20.22% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROKT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% 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 -43.3% for ROKT 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROKT charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROKT currently yields 0.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ROKT and SPY share 4 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROKT or SPY?
ROKT has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROKT or SPY?
Over the past year ROKT returned +75.38% vs +22.52% for SPY, so ROKT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ROKT annualized +20.22% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROKT or SPY?
ROKT has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ROKT -43.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ROKT and SPY?
ROKT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROKT and SPY?
ROKT and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROKT or SPY?
ROKT yields 0.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.