FLN vs SPY
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $39M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.30% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLN vs SPY Performance
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) 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 FLN returned +27.27% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FLN is up 9.30% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FLN compounded at +13.40% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +0.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.1% 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 -67.7% for FLN 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLN charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLN currently yields 3.38% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLN and SPY share 0 holdings out of 555 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLN or SPY?
FLN has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLN or SPY?
Over the past year FLN returned +27.27% vs +21.71% for SPY, so FLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLN annualized +0.22% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLN or SPY?
FLN has been the more volatile fund at 26.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLN -67.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLN and SPY?
FLN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLN and SPY?
FLN and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLN or SPY?
FLN yields 3.38% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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