FTDS vs SPY
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTDS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTDS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $38M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.58% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.17% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.66% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.21% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTDS vs SPY Performance
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) 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 FTDS returned +26.17% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, FTDS is up 16.58% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, FTDS compounded at +16.66% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.21% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +6.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -54.7% for FTDS 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
FTDS 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, FTDS currently yields 1.67% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTDS and SPY share 36 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTDS or SPY?
FTDS 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, FTDS or SPY?
Over the past year FTDS returned +26.17% vs +22.52% for SPY, so FTDS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FTDS annualized +6.82% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTDS or SPY?
FTDS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTDS -54.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTDS and SPY?
FTDS 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 FTDS and SPY?
FTDS and SPY share 36 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTDS or SPY?
FTDS yields 1.67% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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