SPY vs XBTY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYXBTYWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%1.15%
AUM$789.1B$12M
Dividend Yield1.01%229.13%
Holdings5057
YTD Return+14.47%-23.60%
1Y Return+21.96%-46.79%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.70%-
5Y Return (annualized)+13.30%-
Volatility (annualized)15.3%30.8%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-49.0%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementGraniteShares
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 22, 1993May 12, 2025

SPY vs XBTY Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF (XBTY) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while XBTY returned -46.79%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a loss of 23.60% for XBTY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

XBTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% 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 -49.0% for XBTY. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while XBTY 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 229.13% for XBTY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or XBTY?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XBTY 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 XBTY?

Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs -46.79% for XBTY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs -26.28% for XBTY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or XBTY?

XBTY has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XBTY -49.0%.

Should I hold both SPY and XBTY?

SPY and XBTY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XBTY?

SPY yields 1.01% while XBTY yields 229.13%, so XBTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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