FTXN vs SPY
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $160M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +42.44% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.13% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.69% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.07% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTXN vs SPY Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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 FTXN returned +50.13% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FTXN is up 42.44% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FTXN compounded at +13.69% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +25.07% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +8.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -74.4% for FTXN 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXN 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, FTXN currently yields 1.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTXN and SPY share 21 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXN or SPY?
FTXN 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, FTXN or SPY?
Over the past year FTXN returned +50.13% vs +20.83% for SPY, so FTXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXN annualized +8.77% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXN or SPY?
FTXN has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTXN -74.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXN and SPY?
FTXN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXN and SPY?
FTXN and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXN or SPY?
FTXN yields 1.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.