FDNI vs SPY
First Trust Dow Jones International Internet 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 | FDNI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $32M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -17.82% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -17.15% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.31% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FDNI vs SPY Performance
First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) 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 FDNI returned -17.15% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FDNI is down 17.82% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FDNI compounded at +9.03% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -6.31% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +5.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDNI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.7% 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 -71.1% for FDNI 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDNI 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, FDNI currently yields 1.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FDNI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDNI or SPY?
FDNI 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, FDNI or SPY?
Over the past year FDNI returned -17.15% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FDNI annualized +5.48% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDNI or SPY?
FDNI has been the more volatile fund at 27.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FDNI -71.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FDNI and SPY?
FDNI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDNI and SPY?
FDNI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDNI or SPY?
FDNI yields 1.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FDNI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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