ABLG vs SPY

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

MetricABLGSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.54%0.09%
AUM$16M$789.1B
Dividend Yield2.31%1.01%
Holdings52505
YTD Return+0.43%+13.68%
1Y Return+9.25%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.69%+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.75%+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)16.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-36.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFCF AdvisorsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 27, 2017Jan 22, 1993

ABLG vs SPY Performance

Abacus FCF International Leaders ETF (ABLG) 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 ABLG returned +9.25% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ABLG is up 0.43% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Over three years, ABLG compounded at +7.69% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.75% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +4.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ABLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -36.0% for ABLG 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ABLG charges 0.54% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $9 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ABLG currently yields 2.31% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

ABLG and SPY share 3 holdings out of 546 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ABLGWeight in SPYDifference
TT2.65%0.17%2.48%
DTEG.N:BE1.98%0.05%1.93%
TEL1.92%0.09%1.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ABLG or SPY?

ABLG has an expense ratio of 0.54% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ABLG or SPY?

Over the past year ABLG returned +9.25% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ABLG annualized +4.58% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ABLG or SPY?

ABLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ABLG -36.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both ABLG and SPY?

ABLG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ABLG and SPY?

ABLG and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 546 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ABLG or SPY?

ABLG yields 2.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ABLG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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