AGQI vs SPY
First Trust Active Global Quality Income 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGQI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $54M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.08% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.16% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AGQI vs SPY Performance
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) 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 AGQI returned +21.16% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, AGQI is up 14.08% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.5% for AGQI. 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 -14.1% for AGQI 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGQI 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, AGQI currently yields 2.04% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AGQI and SPY share 12 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGQI or SPY?
AGQI 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, AGQI or SPY?
Over the past year AGQI returned +21.16% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AGQI annualized +18.30% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGQI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.5% for AGQI. Worst drawdown: AGQI -14.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AGQI and SPY?
AGQI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGQI and SPY?
AGQI and SPY share 12 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGQI or SPY?
AGQI yields 2.04% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AGQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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