SPY vs XUSP
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Innovator Uncapped Accelerated US Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. XUSP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XUSP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $51M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +15.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +24.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +24.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 10, 2022 |
SPY vs XUSP Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Innovator Uncapped Accelerated US Equity ETF (XUSP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while XUSP returned +24.17%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 15.29% for XUSP.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +24.16% for XUSP. Across the full 4-year window we track, XUSP has the edge at +19.54% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XUSP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -22.6% for XUSP. 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 0.99. 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 XUSP 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 XUSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XUSP?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XUSP 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 XUSP?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +24.17% for XUSP, so XUSP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +19.54% for XUSP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XUSP?
XUSP has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XUSP -22.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and XUSP?
SPY and XUSP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 XUSP?
SPY yields 1.01% while XUSP yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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