FRNW vs SPY
Fidelity Clean Energy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FRNW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRNW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $98M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.99% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.38% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 5, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FRNW vs SPY Performance
Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FRNW returned +29.38% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, FRNW is up 5.99% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, FRNW compounded at +9.88% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -1.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FRNW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.2% 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 -59.4% for FRNW 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRNW 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, FRNW currently yields 1.24% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FRNW or SPY?
FRNW 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, FRNW or SPY?
Over the past year FRNW returned +29.38% vs +21.82% for SPY, so FRNW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FRNW annualized -1.64% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRNW or SPY?
FRNW has been the more volatile fund at 29.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FRNW -59.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FRNW and SPY?
FRNW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRNW and SPY?
FRNW and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRNW or SPY?
FRNW yields 1.24% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FRNW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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