EIPI vs SPY
FT Energy Income Partners Enhanced Income ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EIPI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EIPI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.46% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.63% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EIPI vs SPY Performance
FT Energy Income Partners Enhanced Income ETF (EIPI) 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 EIPI returned +22.63% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, EIPI is up 16.46% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.9% for EIPI. 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 -12.3% for EIPI 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIPI charges 1.11% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $111 vs $9 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EIPI currently yields 7.44% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EIPI and SPY share 35 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EIPI or SPY?
EIPI has an expense ratio of 1.11% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EIPI or SPY?
Over the past year EIPI returned +22.63% vs +22.52% for SPY, so EIPI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EIPI annualized +18.20% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIPI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.9% for EIPI. Worst drawdown: EIPI -12.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EIPI and SPY?
EIPI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIPI and SPY?
EIPI and SPY share 35 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIPI or SPY?
EIPI yields 7.44% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EIPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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