SPY vs TARK
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF
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 | SPY | TARK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.15% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $17M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 39.73% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 10 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | -1.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +3.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +26.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 85.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -77.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Tradr ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 28, 2022 |
SPY vs TARK Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF (TARK) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while TARK returned +3.20%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a loss of 1.46% for TARK.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +26.90% for TARK. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -4.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TARK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 85.3% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -77.8% for TARK. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TARK charges 1.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $115 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 39.73% for TARK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TARK?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TARK charges 1.15%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TARK?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +3.20% for TARK, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs -4.96% for TARK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TARK?
TARK has been the more volatile fund at 85.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TARK -77.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and TARK?
SPY and TARK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TARK?
SPY yields 1.01% while TARK yields 39.73%, so TARK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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