FFC vs SPY
FFC vs SPY
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FFC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $829M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.05% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.52% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.38% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.44% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2003 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FFC vs SPY Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated (FFC) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FFC is up 2.05% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, FFC compounded at +13.38% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.44% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -0.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -84.5% for FFC 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFC charges 1.23% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $9 annually, a gap of $114 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFC currently yields 7.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FFC and SPY share 8 holdings out of 679 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 FFC | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SYF | 1.37% | 0.04% | 1.33% |
| CFG | 0.91% | 0.05% | 0.86% |
| HBAN | 0.77% | 0.06% | 0.71% |
| APO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DTEG.N:BE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FITB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 8 holdings FFC shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFC or SPY?
FFC has an expense ratio of 1.23% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $114 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFC or SPY?
Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), FFC annualized -0.12% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFC or SPY?
FFC has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FFC -84.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FFC and SPY?
FFC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FFC and SPY?
FFC and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFC or SPY?
FFC yields 7.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FFC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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