BGLD vs SPY
FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer 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 | BGLD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $51M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.80% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.65% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.69% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.72% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BGLD vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) 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 BGLD returned +10.65% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BGLD is down 1.80% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, BGLD compounded at +19.69% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.72% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, BGLD has the edge at +9.66% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.1% for BGLD. 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 -16.2% for BGLD 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGLD charges 0.91% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $9 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGLD currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGLD or SPY?
BGLD has an expense ratio of 0.91% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGLD or SPY?
Over the past year BGLD returned +10.65% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BGLD annualized +9.66% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGLD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for BGLD. Worst drawdown: BGLD -16.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BGLD and SPY?
BGLD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGLD or SPY?
BGLD yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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