FSTA vs SPY
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FSTA has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSTA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.86% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.32% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.03% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FSTA vs SPY Performance
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) 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 FSTA returned +6.32% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FSTA is up 10.86% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, FSTA compounded at +8.06% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.03% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.4% for FSTA. 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 -25.7% for FSTA 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSTA charges 0.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSTA currently yields 2.21% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FSTA and SPY share 31 holdings out of 565 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSTA or SPY?
FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. FSTA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSTA or SPY?
Over the past year FSTA returned +6.32% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FSTA annualized +7.16% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSTA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for FSTA. Worst drawdown: FSTA -25.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FSTA and SPY?
FSTA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSTA and SPY?
FSTA and SPY share 31 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSTA or SPY?
FSTA yields 2.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FSTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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