DLFE vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DLFE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $65M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.92% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2026 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DLFE vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) 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, DLFE is up 6.92% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.0% for DLFE 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
DLFE 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, DLFE currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DLFE and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, DLFE or SPY?
DLFE 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.
What is the holdings overlap between DLFE and SPY?
DLFE and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLFE or SPY?
DLFE yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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