FCG vs SPY
First Trust Natural Gas ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FCG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $611M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.39% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.08% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.99% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.70% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FCG vs SPY Performance
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) 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 FCG returned +35.08% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, FCG is up 26.39% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, FCG compounded at +6.99% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.70% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.9% 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 -97.6% for FCG 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCG charges 0.57% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $9 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCG currently yields 2.24% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FCG and SPY share 8 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCG or SPY?
FCG has an expense ratio of 0.57% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCG or SPY?
Over the past year FCG returned +35.08% vs +22.91% for SPY, so FCG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FCG annualized -5.30% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCG or SPY?
FCG has been the more volatile fund at 40.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FCG -97.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FCG and SPY?
FCG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCG and SPY?
FCG and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCG or SPY?
FCG yields 2.24% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FCG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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