FMTM vs SPY
MarketDesk Focused US Momentum ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FMTM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMTM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $243M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.22% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.66% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | MarketDesk Indices | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 20, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FMTM vs SPY Performance
MarketDesk Focused US Momentum ETF (FMTM) is a ETF from MarketDesk Indices and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FMTM returned +46.66% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, FMTM is up 19.22% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMTM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -15.4% for FMTM 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMTM charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMTM currently yields 0.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FMTM and SPY share 13 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FMTM or SPY?
FMTM has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMTM or SPY?
Over the past year FMTM returned +46.66% vs +22.91% for SPY, so FMTM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FMTM annualized +38.27% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMTM or SPY?
FMTM has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FMTM -15.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FMTM and SPY?
FMTM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMTM and SPY?
FMTM and SPY share 13 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMTM or SPY?
FMTM yields 0.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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