FTXG vs SPY
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $18M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.00% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.47% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.61% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTXG vs SPY Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) 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 FTXG returned +5.47% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FTXG is up 13.00% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FTXG compounded at +0.61% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +3.03%. 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 14.3% for FTXG. 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 -33.8% for FTXG 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXG 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, FTXG currently yields 2.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTXG and SPY share 16 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXG or SPY?
FTXG 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, FTXG or SPY?
Over the past year FTXG returned +5.47% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXG annualized +3.03% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.3% for FTXG. Worst drawdown: FTXG -33.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXG and SPY?
FTXG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXG and SPY?
FTXG and SPY share 16 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXG or SPY?
FTXG yields 2.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTXG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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