FXU vs SPY
First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $809M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.96% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.10% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.01% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.37% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FXU vs SPY Performance
First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) 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 FXU returned +11.10% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, FXU is up 7.96% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, FXU compounded at +20.01% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.37% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +5.45%. 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 14.5% for FXU. 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 -51.5% for FXU 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXU charges 0.61% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $9 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXU currently yields 2.19% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FXU and SPY share 29 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXU or SPY?
FXU has an expense ratio of 0.61% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXU or SPY?
Over the past year FXU returned +11.10% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXU annualized +5.45% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for FXU. Worst drawdown: FXU -51.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXU and SPY?
FXU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXU and SPY?
FXU and SPY share 29 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXU or SPY?
FXU yields 2.19% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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