FXP vs SPY
ProShares Ultrashort FTSE China 50 vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.91% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.26% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -29.71% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -19.77% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FXP vs SPY Performance
ProShares Ultrashort FTSE China 50 (FXP) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FXP returned +1.26% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, FXP is up 18.91% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, FXP compounded at -29.71% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -19.77% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -28.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.2% 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 -99.9% for FXP 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 -0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXP charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXP currently yields 2.55% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXP or SPY?
FXP has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXP or SPY?
Over the past year FXP returned +1.26% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXP annualized -28.61% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXP or SPY?
FXP has been the more volatile fund at 48.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FXP -99.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXP and SPY?
FXP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXP or SPY?
FXP yields 2.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FXP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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