FNY vs SPY
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FNY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $600M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.99% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.18% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.49% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.35% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FNY vs SPY Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +26.18% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FNY is up 15.99% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +19.49% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.35% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNY has the edge at +11.71% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $9 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FNY and SPY share 14 holdings out of 715 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNY or SPY?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or SPY?
Over the past year FNY returned +26.18% vs +21.71% for SPY, so FNY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.71% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or SPY?
FNY has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FNY and SPY?
FNY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNY and SPY?
FNY and SPY share 14 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 715 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or SPY?
FNY yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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