FCTE vs SPY
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend 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 | FCTE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $246M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.19% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.87% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | 3FourteenSMI | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 2, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FCTE vs SPY Performance
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF (FCTE) is a ETF from 3FourteenSMI and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FCTE returned +16.87% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, FCTE is up 21.19% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCTE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -19.7% for FCTE 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCTE 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, FCTE currently yields 0.08% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FCTE and SPY share 20 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCTE or SPY?
FCTE 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.
Which performed better, FCTE or SPY?
Over the past year FCTE returned +16.87% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FCTE annualized +10.80% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCTE or SPY?
FCTE has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FCTE -19.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FCTE and SPY?
FCTE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCTE and SPY?
FCTE and SPY share 20 common holdings with a 8.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCTE or SPY?
FCTE yields 0.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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