EKG vs SPY
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions 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 | EKG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.10% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.29% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.51% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EKG vs SPY Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) 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 EKG returned +21.29% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, EKG is up 11.10% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, EKG compounded at +8.51% per year against +22.10% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +1.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.2% 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 -43.8% for EKG 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EKG charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EKG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EKG and SPY share 7 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EKG or SPY?
EKG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EKG or SPY?
Over the past year EKG returned +21.29% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EKG annualized +1.38% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EKG or SPY?
EKG has been the more volatile fund at 26.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EKG -43.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EKG and SPY?
EKG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EKG and SPY?
EKG and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EKG or SPY?
EKG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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