FTGS vs SPY
First Trust Growth Strength 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 | FTGS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.01% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.59% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.51% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTGS vs SPY Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) 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 FTGS returned +13.59% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FTGS is up 12.01% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.51% per year against +22.06% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.52% annualized vs +8.82%. 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 14.6% for FTGS. 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 -20.0% for FTGS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS 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, FTGS currently yields 0.08% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and SPY share 48 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or SPY?
FTGS 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, FTGS or SPY?
Over the past year FTGS returned +13.59% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.52% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for FTGS. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTGS and SPY?
FTGS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FTGS and SPY?
FTGS and SPY share 48 common holdings with a 17.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or SPY?
FTGS yields 0.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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