AIRR vs SPY
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AIRR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIRR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $10.8B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.61% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.04% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.80% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.89% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AIRR vs SPY Performance
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) 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 AIRR returned +29.04% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, AIRR is up 13.61% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, AIRR compounded at +29.80% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +22.89% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, AIRR has the edge at +15.34% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIRR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -42.4% for AIRR 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIRR charges 0.69% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $9 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIRR currently yields 0.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIRR or SPY?
AIRR has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIRR or SPY?
Over the past year AIRR returned +29.04% vs +21.82% for SPY, so AIRR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), AIRR annualized +15.34% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIRR or SPY?
AIRR has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AIRR -42.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AIRR and SPY?
AIRR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIRR and SPY?
AIRR and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIRR or SPY?
AIRR yields 0.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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