FQAL vs SPGM
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
SPGM has a lower expense ratio. SPGM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPGM offers more diversification with 2,985 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | SPGM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $1.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 1.81% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 2,985 | |
| YTD Return | +12.56% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.37% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.54% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.62% | +11.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -34.0% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Feb 27, 2012 |
FQAL vs SPGM Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio MSCI Global Stock Market ETF (SPGM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year FQAL returned +19.37% while SPGM returned +25.63%. Year to date, FQAL is up 12.56% versus a gain of 14.45% for SPGM.
Over three years, FQAL compounded at +20.54% per year against +22.00% for SPGM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.62% and +11.59% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FQAL has the edge at +13.76% annualized vs +9.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 13.6% for SPGM. 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 -34.1% for FQAL and -34.0% for SPGM. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while SPGM charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.15% against 1.81% for SPGM.
Holdings Overlap
FQAL and SPGM share 88 holdings out of 2883 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FQAL or SPGM?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPGM charges 0.09%. SPGM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or SPGM?
Over the past year FQAL returned +19.37% vs +25.63% for SPGM, so SPGM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FQAL annualized +13.76% vs +9.87% for SPGM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or SPGM?
FQAL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SPGM. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs SPGM -34.0%.
Should I hold both FQAL and SPGM?
FQAL and SPGM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FQAL and SPGM?
FQAL and SPGM share 88 common holdings with a 29.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or SPGM?
FQAL yields 1.15% while SPGM yields 1.81%, so SPGM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.