FSGS vs SPY
First Trust SMID Growth 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 | FSGS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $31M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.95% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.95% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.06% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FSGS vs SPY Performance
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) 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 FSGS returned +8.95% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, FSGS is up 11.95% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, FSGS compounded at +8.77% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.06% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +7.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -45.0% for FSGS 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSGS charges 0.61% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $9 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSGS currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FSGS and SPY share 19 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSGS or SPY?
FSGS has an expense ratio of 0.61% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSGS or SPY?
Over the past year FSGS returned +8.95% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSGS annualized +7.19% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSGS or SPY?
FSGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FSGS -45.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FSGS and SPY?
FSGS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSGS and SPY?
FSGS and SPY share 19 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSGS or SPY?
FSGS yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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