FTHY vs SPY
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTHY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $662M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.63% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 294 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.21% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.32% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.28% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTHY vs SPY Performance
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund (FTHY) 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 FTHY returned +2.32% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FTHY is up 2.21% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, FTHY compounded at +10.46% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.28% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.71%. 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 11.9% for FTHY. 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 -31.2% for FTHY 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTHY charges 3.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $359 vs $9 annually, a gap of $350 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTHY currently yields 10.63% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTHY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 733 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTHY or SPY?
FTHY has an expense ratio of 3.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $350 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTHY or SPY?
Over the past year FTHY returned +2.32% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FTHY annualized +2.71% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTHY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.9% for FTHY. Worst drawdown: FTHY -31.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTHY and SPY?
FTHY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTHY and SPY?
FTHY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 733 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTHY or SPY?
FTHY yields 10.63% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTHY 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.