FTKI vs SPY
FTKI vs SPY
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTKI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTKI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $25M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.53% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.99% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.96% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTKI vs SPY Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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 FTKI returned +23.96% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.99% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.53% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and SPY share 1 holdings out of 646 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTKI | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASY | 0.15% | 0.05% | 0.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTKI or SPY?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or SPY?
Over the past year FTKI returned +23.96% vs +23.66% for SPY, so FTKI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTKI annualized +13.38% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTKI and SPY?
FTKI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and SPY?
FTKI and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 646 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or SPY?
FTKI yields 12.53% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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