FTIHX vs SPY
Fidelity Total International Index Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FTIHX has a lower expense ratio. FTIHX delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTIHX offers more diversification with 5,059 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTIHX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.46% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5,059 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.87% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.71% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.65% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.75% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 7, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTIHX vs SPY Performance
Fidelity Total International Index Fund (FTIHX) is a mutual fund from Fidelity Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTIHX returned +23.71% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, FTIHX is up 15.87% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, FTIHX compounded at +17.65% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.75% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +6.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTIHX 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 -32.0% for FTIHX 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTIHX charges 0.06% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTIHX currently yields 2.46% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTIHX and SPY share 4 holdings out of 5481 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTIHX or SPY?
FTIHX has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPY charges 0.09%. FTIHX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTIHX or SPY?
Over the past year FTIHX returned +23.71% vs +21.82% for SPY, so FTIHX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FTIHX annualized +6.75% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTIHX or SPY?
FTIHX has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTIHX -32.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTIHX and SPY?
FTIHX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTIHX and SPY?
FTIHX and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5481 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTIHX or SPY?
FTIHX yields 2.46% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTIHX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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