SPY vs XBOC
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - October
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 | XBOC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $65M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +7.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +11.29% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +11.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 8.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Oct 1, 2021 |
SPY vs XBOC 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 - October (XBOC) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while XBOC returned +11.29%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 7.55% for XBOC.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +11.68% for XBOC. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.56%. 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 8.3% for XBOC. 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 -13.3% for XBOC. 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 0.93. 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 XBOC 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 XBOC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XBOC?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XBOC 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 XBOC?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +11.29% for XBOC, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +8.56% for XBOC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XBOC?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.3% for XBOC. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XBOC -13.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and XBOC?
SPY and XBOC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XBOC?
SPY yields 1.01% while XBOC yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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