FEUZ vs SPY
First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX 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 | FEUZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $134M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 153 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.93% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.00% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.71% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FEUZ vs SPY Performance
First Trust Eurozone AlphaDEX ETF (FEUZ) 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 FEUZ returned +20.00% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FEUZ is up 11.93% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, FEUZ compounded at +23.71% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.70% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +8.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEUZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -50.1% for FEUZ 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEUZ 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, FEUZ currently yields 2.65% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FEUZ and SPY share 1 holdings out of 653 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FEUZ | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.54% | 0.47% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEUZ or SPY?
FEUZ 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, FEUZ or SPY?
Over the past year FEUZ returned +20.00% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FEUZ annualized +8.40% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEUZ or SPY?
FEUZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FEUZ -50.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FEUZ and SPY?
FEUZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEUZ and SPY?
FEUZ and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEUZ or SPY?
FEUZ yields 2.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FEUZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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