FTXH vs SPY
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTXH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $989M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.30% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +52.28% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.31% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.93% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTXH vs SPY Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) 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 FTXH returned +52.28% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FTXH is up 26.30% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FTXH compounded at +17.31% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.93% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +8.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -32.1% for FTXH 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXH 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, FTXH currently yields 1.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTXH and SPY share 16 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXH or SPY?
FTXH 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, FTXH or SPY?
Over the past year FTXH returned +52.28% vs +20.83% for SPY, so FTXH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXH annualized +8.27% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXH or SPY?
FTXH has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTXH -32.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXH and SPY?
FTXH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXH and SPY?
FTXH and SPY share 16 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXH or SPY?
FTXH yields 1.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTXH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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