FID vs SPY
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats 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 | FID | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $165M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.18% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.15% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FID vs SPY Performance
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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 FID returned +21.18% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, FID is up 12.76% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, FID compounded at +19.15% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -39.8% for FID 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FID charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FID currently yields 3.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FID and SPY share 1 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FID | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FID or SPY?
FID has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FID or SPY?
Over the past year FID returned +21.18% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FID annualized +6.47% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FID or SPY?
FID has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FID -39.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FID and SPY?
FID and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FID and SPY?
FID and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FID or SPY?
FID yields 3.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FID currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.