FUTY vs SPY
Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FUTY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FUTY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.53% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.49% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.04% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.76% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FUTY vs SPY Performance
Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FUTY returned +4.49% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FUTY is up 2.53% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FUTY compounded at +15.04% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.76% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +7.84%. 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 14.7% for FUTY. 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 -37.1% for FUTY 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FUTY charges 0.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FUTY currently yields 2.65% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FUTY and SPY share 31 holdings out of 536 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FUTY or SPY?
FUTY has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. FUTY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FUTY or SPY?
Over the past year FUTY returned +4.49% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FUTY annualized +7.84% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FUTY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for FUTY. Worst drawdown: FUTY -37.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FUTY and SPY?
FUTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FUTY and SPY?
FUTY and SPY share 31 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FUTY or SPY?
FUTY yields 2.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FUTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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