SPY vs WTAI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WTAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WTAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $587M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.12% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 75 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +38.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +61.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +31.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 33.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -45.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 7, 2021 |
SPY vs WTAI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund ETF (WTAI) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while WTAI returned +61.69%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 38.89% for WTAI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +31.32% for WTAI. Across the full 5-year window we track, WTAI has the edge at +11.55% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WTAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% 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 -45.9% for WTAI. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WTAI charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $45 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.12% for WTAI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WTAI share 35 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WTAI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WTAI charges 0.45%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WTAI?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +61.69% for WTAI, so WTAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +11.55% for WTAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WTAI?
WTAI has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WTAI -45.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and WTAI?
SPY and WTAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WTAI?
SPY and WTAI share 35 common holdings with a 27.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WTAI?
SPY yields 1.01% while WTAI yields 1.12%, so WTAI 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.