SPY vs XBAP
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April
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 | XBAP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $131M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 9 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +10.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +14.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +13.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 8.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -14.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 31, 2021 |
SPY vs XBAP Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April (XBAP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while XBAP returned +14.00%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 10.07% for XBAP.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +13.75% for XBAP; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +9.76% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XBAP has the edge at +9.95% annualized vs +8.79%. 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 8.7% for XBAP. 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 -14.6% for XBAP. 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 0.90. 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 XBAP 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 XBAP.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XBAP share 0 holdings out of 505 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 XBAP?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XBAP 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 XBAP?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +14.00% for XBAP, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +9.95% for XBAP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XBAP?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.7% for XBAP. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XBAP -14.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and XBAP?
SPY and XBAP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 XBAP?
SPY and XBAP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XBAP?
SPY yields 1.01% while XBAP 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.