FTRI vs SPY
First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTRI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTRI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $124M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.41% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.94% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.14% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.07% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTRI vs SPY Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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 FTRI returned +23.94% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, FTRI is up 11.41% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, FTRI compounded at +15.14% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.07% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs -1.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -84.4% for FTRI 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTRI charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTRI currently yields 2.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTRI and SPY share 5 holdings out of 550 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, FTRI or SPY?
FTRI has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTRI or SPY?
Over the past year FTRI returned +23.94% vs +20.62% for SPY, so FTRI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTRI annualized -1.63% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTRI or SPY?
FTRI has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTRI -84.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTRI and SPY?
FTRI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTRI and SPY?
FTRI and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 550 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTRI or SPY?
FTRI yields 2.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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