GAPR vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April 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 | GAPR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $289M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.88% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.42% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.73% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GAPR vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April (GAPR) 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 GAPR returned +9.42% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, GAPR is up 5.88% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, GAPR compounded at +10.73% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, GAPR has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +8.84%. 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 4.9% for GAPR. 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 -9.0% for GAPR 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAPR charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAPR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GAPR and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, GAPR or SPY?
GAPR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAPR or SPY?
Over the past year GAPR returned +9.42% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GAPR annualized +11.31% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAPR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.9% for GAPR. Worst drawdown: GAPR -9.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GAPR and SPY?
GAPR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAPR and SPY?
GAPR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAPR or SPY?
GAPR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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