Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBFEWSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.09%
AUM$2M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings4505
YTD Return+7.30%+13.79%
1Y Return-+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-0.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 7, 2026Jan 22, 1993

BFEW vs SPY Performance

FT Vest Laddered US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF (BFEW) 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. Year to date, BFEW is up 7.30% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -0.9% for BFEW and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BFEW charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFEW currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BFEW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BFEW or SPY?

BFEW has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between BFEW and SPY?

BFEW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BFEW or SPY?

BFEW yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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