ABFL vs SPY
Abacus FCF Leaders ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ABFL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ABFL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $521M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.88% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.44% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.66% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.61% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | FCF Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ABFL vs SPY Performance
Abacus FCF Leaders ETF (ABFL) is a ETF from FCF Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ABFL returned +23.44% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, ABFL is up 16.88% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, ABFL compounded at +17.66% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.61% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ABFL has the edge at +14.49% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ABFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -35.0% for ABFL and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ABFL charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ABFL currently yields 0.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ABFL and SPY share 38 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ABFL or SPY?
ABFL has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ABFL or SPY?
Over the past year ABFL returned +23.44% vs +22.91% for SPY, so ABFL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ABFL annualized +14.49% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ABFL or SPY?
ABFL has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ABFL -35.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ABFL and SPY?
ABFL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ABFL and SPY?
ABFL and SPY share 38 common holdings with a 22.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ABFL or SPY?
ABFL yields 0.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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