AFGR vs SPY
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
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 | AFGR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $91M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.37% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.10% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.72% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AFGR vs SPY Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AFGR returned +10.10% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, AFGR is up 7.37% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +21.44% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.72% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, AFGR has the edge at +11.22% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -46.0% for AFGR 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFGR charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AFGR and SPY share 57 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or SPY?
AFGR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFGR or SPY?
Over the past year AFGR returned +10.10% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +11.22% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFGR or SPY?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFGR and SPY?
AFGR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 AFGR and SPY?
AFGR and SPY share 57 common holdings with a 43.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or SPY?
AFGR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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