FAN vs SPY
First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FAN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $256M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.07% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.30% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.73% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.65% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FAN vs SPY Performance
First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) 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 FAN returned +28.30% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FAN is up 13.07% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FAN compounded at +16.73% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.65% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -1.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -82.1% for FAN 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAN charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAN currently yields 0.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAN or SPY?
FAN has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAN or SPY?
Over the past year FAN returned +28.30% vs +20.83% for SPY, so FAN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), FAN annualized -1.03% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAN or SPY?
FAN has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FAN -82.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FAN and SPY?
FAN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAN and SPY?
FAN and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAN or SPY?
FAN yields 0.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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