SPY vs XTJL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - July
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 | XTJL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $13M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +8.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +15.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +15.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +9.93% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 12.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 30, 2021 |
SPY vs XTJL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - July (XTJL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while XTJL returned +15.42%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a gain of 8.67% for XTJL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +15.28% for XTJL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +9.93% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XTJL has the edge at +10.09% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 12.4% for XTJL. 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 -23.2% for XTJL. 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 0.92. 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 XTJL 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 XTJL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XTJL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XTJL 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 XTJL?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +15.42% for XTJL, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +10.09% for XTJL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XTJL?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for XTJL. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XTJL -23.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and XTJL?
SPY and XTJL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 XTJL?
SPY yields 1.01% while XTJL yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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