FMB vs SPY
First Trust Managed Municipal ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. FMB offers more diversification with 1,279 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.62% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,279 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.72% | +13.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.79% | +21.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.54% | +22.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.35% | +13.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FMB vs SPY Performance
First Trust Managed Municipal ETF (FMB) 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 FMB returned +4.79% while SPY returned +21.44%. Year to date, FMB is up 0.72% versus a gain of 13.70% for SPY.
Over three years, FMB compounded at +3.54% per year against +22.50% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.35% and +13.24% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.34%. 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 4.9% for FMB. 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 -14.2% for FMB 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMB charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMB currently yields 3.62% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FMB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1140 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, FMB or SPY?
FMB has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMB or SPY?
Over the past year FMB returned +4.79% vs +21.44% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FMB annualized +1.34% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.9% for FMB. Worst drawdown: FMB -14.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FMB and SPY?
FMB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMB and SPY?
FMB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1140 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMB or SPY?
FMB yields 3.62% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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