FSCS vs SPY
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSCS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $58M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.87% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.18% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.69% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.74% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FSCS vs SPY Performance
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) 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 FSCS returned +8.18% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, FSCS is up 7.87% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, FSCS compounded at +10.69% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.74% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +8.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -43.6% for FSCS 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSCS charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSCS currently yields 0.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FSCS and SPY share 32 holdings out of 571 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSCS or SPY?
FSCS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSCS or SPY?
Over the past year FSCS returned +8.18% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSCS annualized +8.38% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSCS or SPY?
FSCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FSCS -43.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FSCS and SPY?
FSCS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSCS and SPY?
FSCS and SPY share 32 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 571 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSCS or SPY?
FSCS yields 0.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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