FSST vs SPY
Fidelity Sustainable US Equity 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSST | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $13M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.66% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.71% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.45% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FSST vs SPY Performance
Fidelity Sustainable US Equity ETF (FSST) 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 FSST returned +12.71% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FSST is up 15.66% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, FSST compounded at +19.45% per year against +22.06% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, FSST has the edge at +11.54% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -26.3% for FSST 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSST charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSST currently yields 1.55% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FSST and SPY share 64 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSST or SPY?
FSST has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSST or SPY?
Over the past year FSST returned +12.71% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FSST annualized +11.54% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSST or SPY?
FSST has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FSST -26.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FSST and SPY?
FSST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 FSST and SPY?
FSST and SPY share 64 common holdings with a 42.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSST or SPY?
FSST yields 1.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FSST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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