AFMC vs SPY
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AFMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFMC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $205M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 266 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.17% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.23% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.40% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.59% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AFMC vs SPY Performance
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) 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 AFMC returned +27.23% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, AFMC is up 19.17% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, AFMC compounded at +20.40% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.59% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFMC has the edge at +12.42% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -42.1% for AFMC 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFMC charges 0.68% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $9 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFMC currently yields 0.70% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AFMC and SPY share 39 holdings out of 727 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFMC or SPY?
AFMC has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFMC or SPY?
Over the past year AFMC returned +27.23% vs +20.62% for SPY, so AFMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFMC annualized +12.42% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFMC or SPY?
AFMC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AFMC -42.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFMC and SPY?
AFMC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFMC and SPY?
AFMC and SPY share 39 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 727 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFMC or SPY?
AFMC yields 0.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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