SPY vs XDQQ

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

MetricSPYXDQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.79%
AUM$789.1B$57M
Dividend Yield1.01%0.00%
Holdings5055
YTD Return+13.68%+2.51%
1Y Return+21.53%+10.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.44%+16.97%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.18%+6.92%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%17.4%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-35.6%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementInnovator ETFs Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 22, 1993Mar 31, 2021

SPY vs XDQQ Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Innovator Growth-100 Accelerated ETF - Quarterly (XDQQ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while XDQQ returned +10.03%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 2.51% for XDQQ.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +16.97% for XDQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and +6.92% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

XDQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -35.6% for XDQQ. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while XDQQ 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 XDQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or XDQQ?

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

Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +10.03% for XDQQ, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +8.62% for XDQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or XDQQ?

XDQQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XDQQ -35.6%.

Should I hold both SPY and XDQQ?

SPY and XDQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XDQQ?

SPY yields 1.01% while XDQQ yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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