FWD vs SPY
AB Disruptors ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FWD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FWD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 138 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +27.32% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.74% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.28% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FWD vs SPY Performance
AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FWD returned +44.74% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, FWD is up 27.32% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, FWD compounded at +35.28% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, FWD has the edge at +35.31% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FWD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.5% 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 -29.0% for FWD 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FWD charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FWD currently yields 0.08% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FWD and SPY share 50 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FWD or SPY?
FWD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FWD or SPY?
Over the past year FWD returned +44.74% vs +21.96% for SPY, so FWD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FWD annualized +35.31% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FWD or SPY?
FWD has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FWD -29.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FWD and SPY?
FWD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FWD and SPY?
FWD and SPY share 50 common holdings with a 24.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FWD or SPY?
FWD yields 0.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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