FLAG vs SPY
FLAG vs SPY
Global X S&P 500 US Market Leaders Top 50 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 | FLAG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -20.87% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.16% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 15, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLAG vs SPY Performance
Global X S&P 500 US Market Leaders Top 50 ETF (FLAG) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FLAG is down 20.87% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.6% for FLAG. 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 -43.9% for FLAG 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAG charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLAG and SPY share 34 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLAG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.33% | 7.31% | 2.98% |
| MSFT | 4.13% | 4.43% | 0.30% |
| SBUX | 5.03% | 0.18% | 4.85% |
| LMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADBE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UPS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MCK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FLAG shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLAG or SPY?
FLAG has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAG or SPY?
Over the past year FLAG returned -24.16% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FLAG annualized -10.23% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for FLAG. Worst drawdown: FLAG -43.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLAG and SPY?
FLAG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAG and SPY?
FLAG and SPY share 34 common holdings with a 11.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAG or SPY?
FLAG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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