FPA vs SPY
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $111M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +30.11% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.99% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.16% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.64% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FPA vs SPY Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +43.99% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FPA is up 30.11% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.16% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.64% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -55.8% for FPA 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPA 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, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FPA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 603 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, FPA or SPY?
FPA 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, FPA or SPY?
Over the past year FPA returned +43.99% vs +20.83% for SPY, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.53% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or SPY?
FPA has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FPA and SPY?
FPA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPA and SPY?
FPA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or SPY?
FPA yields 3.88% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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