FTXR vs SPY
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTXR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.98% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.10% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.31% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.91% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTXR vs SPY Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) 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 FTXR returned +31.31% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FTXR is up 13.10% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FTXR compounded at +16.91% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.91% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXR has the edge at +9.09% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% 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 -53.4% for FTXR 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXR 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, FTXR currently yields 0.98% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTXR and SPY share 17 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXR or SPY?
FTXR 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, FTXR or SPY?
Over the past year FTXR returned +31.31% vs +20.83% for SPY, so FTXR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXR annualized +9.09% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXR or SPY?
FTXR has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTXR -53.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXR and SPY?
FTXR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXR and SPY?
FTXR and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXR or SPY?
FTXR yields 0.98% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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