FGSI vs SPY
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGSI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.18% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.60% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FGSI vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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 FGSI returned +14.60% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, FGSI is up 12.18% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.0% for FGSI. 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 -8.6% for FGSI 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSI charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGSI currently yields 7.57% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FGSI and SPY share 48 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGSI or SPY?
FGSI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGSI or SPY?
Over the past year FGSI returned +14.60% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FGSI annualized +14.32% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.0% for FGSI. Worst drawdown: FGSI -8.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FGSI and SPY?
FGSI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSI and SPY?
FGSI and SPY share 48 common holdings with a 17.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSI or SPY?
FGSI yields 7.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FGSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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