FTCE vs SPY
First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTCE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $87M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.03% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.31% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTCE vs SPY Performance
First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) 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 FTCE returned +22.31% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, FTCE is up 11.03% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.0% for FTCE. 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 -18.1% for FTCE 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCE 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, FTCE currently yields 0.66% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTCE and SPY share 91 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCE or SPY?
FTCE 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, FTCE or SPY?
Over the past year FTCE returned +22.31% vs +20.62% for SPY, so FTCE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTCE annualized +19.94% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCE or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for FTCE. Worst drawdown: FTCE -18.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTCE and SPY?
FTCE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCE and SPY?
FTCE and SPY share 91 common holdings with a 13.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCE or SPY?
FTCE yields 0.66% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.