FTIF vs SPY
First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTIF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTIF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.79% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.90% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.94% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 13, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTIF vs SPY Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Inflation Sensitive Equity ETF (FTIF) 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 FTIF returned +36.90% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FTIF is up 26.79% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FTIF compounded at +12.94% per year against +22.10% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, FTIF has the edge at +14.21% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -27.8% for FTIF 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTIF 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, FTIF currently yields 1.08% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTIF and SPY share 32 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTIF or SPY?
FTIF 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, FTIF or SPY?
Over the past year FTIF returned +36.90% vs +21.71% for SPY, so FTIF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTIF annualized +14.21% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTIF or SPY?
FTIF has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTIF -27.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTIF and SPY?
FTIF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTIF and SPY?
FTIF and SPY share 32 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTIF or SPY?
FTIF yields 1.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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