CIBR vs SPY
First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. CIBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CIBR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $14.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +44.97% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.06% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.69% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CIBR vs SPY Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) 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 CIBR returned +41.06% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, CIBR is up 44.97% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, CIBR compounded at +31.69% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +16.43% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, CIBR has the edge at +16.07% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CIBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -33.9% for CIBR 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CIBR charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CIBR currently yields 0.46% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CIBR and SPY share 16 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CIBR or SPY?
CIBR has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CIBR or SPY?
Over the past year CIBR returned +41.06% vs +21.96% for SPY, so CIBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CIBR annualized +16.07% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CIBR or SPY?
CIBR has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CIBR -33.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CIBR and SPY?
CIBR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CIBR and SPY?
CIBR and SPY share 16 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CIBR or SPY?
CIBR yields 0.46% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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