SPY vs UMAR
SPY vs UMAR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - March
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 | SPY | UMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $194M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +7.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +12.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +12.45% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +7.92% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 28, 2020 |
SPY vs UMAR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - March (UMAR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while UMAR returned +12.60%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 7.31% for UMAR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +12.45% for UMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +7.92% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.0% for UMAR. 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 -11.1% for UMAR. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UMAR charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $79 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for UMAR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UMAR share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UMAR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UMAR charges 0.79%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or UMAR?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +12.60% for UMAR, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +7.83% for UMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UMAR?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.0% for UMAR. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UMAR -11.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and UMAR?
SPY and UMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UMAR?
SPY and UMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UMAR?
SPY yields 1.01% while UMAR yields 0.00%, 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.