FEX vs SPY
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FEX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.04% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.18% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.07% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FEX vs SPY Performance
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) 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 FEX returned +26.58% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FEX is up 17.04% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, FEX compounded at +19.18% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.07% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEX 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 -59.7% for FEX 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEX charges 0.57% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $9 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEX currently yields 0.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FEX and SPY share 309 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEX or SPY?
FEX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEX or SPY?
Over the past year FEX returned +26.58% vs +23.66% for SPY, so FEX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FEX annualized +8.71% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEX or SPY?
FEX has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FEX -59.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FEX and SPY?
FEX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FEX and SPY?
FEX and SPY share 309 common holdings with a 33.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEX or SPY?
FEX yields 0.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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