FXZ vs SPY
First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FXZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $390M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.42% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +28.59% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.33% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.60% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FXZ vs SPY Performance
First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund (FXZ) 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 FXZ returned +46.33% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, FXZ is up 28.59% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, FXZ compounded at +11.12% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.60% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +8.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -66.0% for FXZ 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
FXZ charges 0.64% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $9 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXZ currently yields 1.42% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FXZ and SPY share 13 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXZ or SPY?
FXZ has an expense ratio of 0.64% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXZ or SPY?
Over the past year FXZ returned +46.33% vs +21.53% for SPY, so FXZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXZ annualized +8.32% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXZ or SPY?
FXZ has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FXZ -66.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXZ and SPY?
FXZ 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 FXZ and SPY?
FXZ and SPY share 13 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXZ or SPY?
FXZ yields 1.42% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FXZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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