FDT vs SPY
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FDT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 312 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.34% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.10% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.14% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.11% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FDT vs SPY Performance
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) 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 FDT returned +34.10% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FDT is up 19.34% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, FDT compounded at +27.14% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.11% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -48.6% for FDT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDT charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDT currently yields 2.88% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FDT and SPY share 1 holdings out of 798 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDT | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDT or SPY?
FDT has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDT or SPY?
Over the past year FDT returned +34.10% vs +21.53% for SPY, so FDT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDT annualized +5.58% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDT or SPY?
FDT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FDT -48.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FDT and SPY?
FDT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDT and SPY?
FDT and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDT or SPY?
FDT yields 2.88% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FDT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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