FYC vs SPY
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FYC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +27.48% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.98% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.25% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.07% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FYC vs SPY Performance
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) 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 FYC returned +45.98% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, FYC is up 27.48% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, FYC compounded at +27.25% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.07% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYC has the edge at +12.61% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -48.1% for FYC 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYC charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYC currently yields 0.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FYC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 763 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYC or SPY?
FYC has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYC or SPY?
Over the past year FYC returned +45.98% vs +21.96% for SPY, so FYC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYC annualized +12.61% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYC or SPY?
FYC has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FYC -48.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FYC and SPY?
FYC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYC and SPY?
FYC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 763 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYC or SPY?
FYC yields 0.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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