FEGE vs SPY
First Eagle Global Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FEGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEGE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 95 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.64% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.02% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Eagle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FEGE vs SPY Performance
First Eagle Global Equity ETF (FEGE) is a ETF from First Eagle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FEGE returned +29.02% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, FEGE is up 12.64% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.8% for FEGE. 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 -11.1% for FEGE 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEGE charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEGE currently yields 1.21% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FEGE and SPY share 37 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEGE or SPY?
FEGE has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEGE or SPY?
Over the past year FEGE returned +29.02% vs +22.52% for SPY, so FEGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FEGE annualized +28.60% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEGE or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.8% for FEGE. Worst drawdown: FEGE -11.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FEGE and SPY?
FEGE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEGE and SPY?
FEGE and SPY share 37 common holdings with a 10.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEGE or SPY?
FEGE yields 1.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FEGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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