FFLS vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFFLSSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.60%0.09%
AUM$42M$789.1B
Dividend Yield6.55%1.01%
Holdings52505
YTD Return+3.38%+13.79%
1Y Return+1.12%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.47%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)9.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-11.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyThe Future FundState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 20, 2022Jan 22, 1993

FFLS vs SPY Performance

The Future Fund Long/Short ETF (FFLS) is a ETF from The Future Fund and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FFLS returned +1.12% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FFLS is up 3.38% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, FFLS compounded at +11.47% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, FFLS has the edge at +9.77% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.7% for FFLS. 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 FFLS 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FFLS charges 1.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $160 vs $9 annually, a gap of $151 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFLS currently yields 6.55% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

19.1%overlap

FFLS and SPY share 25 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FFLSWeight in SPYDifference
NVDA5.88%7.31%1.43%
AMZN5.41%3.69%1.72%
GOOGL4.15%3.32%0.83%
AVGOProProPro
PANWProProPro
METAProProPro
EWProProPro
SQProProPro
EQIXProProPro
GLWProProPro
See all 10 holdings FFLS shares with SPY
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FFLS or SPY?

FFLS has an expense ratio of 1.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $151 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FFLS or SPY?

Over the past year FFLS returned +1.12% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FFLS annualized +9.77% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FFLS or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.7% for FFLS. Worst drawdown: FFLS -11.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both FFLS and SPY?

FFLS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FFLS and SPY?

FFLS and SPY share 25 common holdings with a 19.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FFLS or SPY?

FFLS yields 6.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FFLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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