FTAG vs SPY
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture 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 | FTAG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $14M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.16% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.56% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.75% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.04% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTAG vs SPY Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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 FTAG returned +10.56% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, FTAG is up 10.16% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, FTAG compounded at +4.75% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.04% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs -17.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTAG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% 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 -98.4% for FTAG 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTAG charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTAG currently yields 1.30% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTAG and SPY share 4 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTAG or SPY?
FTAG has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTAG or SPY?
Over the past year FTAG returned +10.56% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTAG annualized -17.44% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTAG or SPY?
FTAG has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTAG -98.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTAG and SPY?
FTAG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTAG and SPY?
FTAG and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTAG or SPY?
FTAG yields 1.30% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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