AFSM vs SPY
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AFSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $123M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.51% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.61% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.25% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.67% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.85% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AFSM vs SPY Performance
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) 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 AFSM returned +31.25% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, AFSM is up 24.61% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, AFSM compounded at +19.67% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.85% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFSM has the edge at +12.00% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -43.5% for AFSM 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSM charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSM currently yields 0.51% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSM or SPY?
AFSM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSM or SPY?
Over the past year AFSM returned +31.25% vs +20.62% for SPY, so AFSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFSM annualized +12.00% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSM or SPY?
AFSM has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AFSM -43.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFSM and SPY?
AFSM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSM and SPY?
AFSM and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSM or SPY?
AFSM yields 0.51% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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