SARK vs SPY
Tradr 1X Short Innovation Daily 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 | SARK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $44M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.16% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -10.19% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | -17.27% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -31.09% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Tradr ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SARK vs SPY Performance
Tradr 1X Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SARK returned -17.27% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SARK is down 10.19% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SARK compounded at -31.09% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -13.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.1% 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 -81.1% for SARK 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 -0.72. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SARK charges 1.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $9 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SARK currently yields 3.16% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SARK or SPY?
SARK has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SARK or SPY?
Over the past year SARK returned -17.27% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SARK annualized -13.97% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SARK or SPY?
SARK has been the more volatile fund at 47.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SARK -81.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SARK and SPY?
SARK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SARK or SPY?
SARK yields 3.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SARK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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