FESC vs SPY

FESC vs SPY
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Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFESCSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.09%
AUM$2M$821.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings0505
YTD Return-2.31%+12.93%
1Y Return-+20.62%
3Y Return (annualized)-+22.00%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.33%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-6.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFirst Eagle InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 30, 2026Jan 22, 1993

FESC vs SPY Performance

First Eagle Small Cap Equity ETF (FESC) 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. Year to date, FESC is down 2.31% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -6.6% for FESC and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FESC charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FESC currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FESC or SPY?

FESC has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which pays a higher dividend, FESC or SPY?

FESC yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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