GDEC vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December 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 | GDEC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $436M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.09% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.16% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GDEC vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December (GDEC) 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 GDEC returned +13.16% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, GDEC is up 7.09% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.3% for GDEC. 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 -10.6% for GDEC 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDEC 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, GDEC currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GDEC 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, GDEC or SPY?
GDEC 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, GDEC or SPY?
Over the past year GDEC returned +13.16% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GDEC annualized +11.85% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDEC or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.3% for GDEC. Worst drawdown: GDEC -10.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GDEC and SPY?
GDEC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GDEC and SPY?
GDEC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDEC or SPY?
GDEC yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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