FDTS vs SPY
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FDTS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDTS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $14M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 412 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.82% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.51% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.28% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 15, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FDTS vs SPY Performance
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) 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 FDTS returned +37.51% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FDTS is up 21.82% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FDTS compounded at +26.28% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDTS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -53.2% for FDTS 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDTS 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, FDTS currently yields 2.87% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FDTS and SPY share 1 holdings out of 902 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDTS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.09% | 0.09% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDTS or SPY?
FDTS 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, FDTS or SPY?
Over the past year FDTS returned +37.51% vs +21.71% for SPY, so FDTS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDTS annualized +7.29% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDTS or SPY?
FDTS has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FDTS -53.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FDTS and SPY?
FDTS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDTS and SPY?
FDTS and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 902 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDTS or SPY?
FDTS yields 2.87% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FDTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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