FIIG vs SPY
First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FIIG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $646M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.66% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.45% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.75% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FIIG vs SPY Performance
First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FIIG) 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 FIIG returned +1.45% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FIIG is down 0.66% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FIIG compounded at +5.75% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +5.36%. 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 6.2% for FIIG. 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 -5.5% for FIIG 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIIG charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIIG currently yields 5.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FIIG and SPY share 1 holdings out of 663 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FIIG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AON | 0.29% | 0.11% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FIIG or SPY?
FIIG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIIG or SPY?
Over the past year FIIG returned +1.45% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FIIG annualized +5.36% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIIG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.2% for FIIG. Worst drawdown: FIIG -5.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FIIG and SPY?
FIIG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIIG and SPY?
FIIG and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 663 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIIG or SPY?
FIIG yields 5.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FIIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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