GJUL vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - July 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 | GJUL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $410M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.26% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.88% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.56% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GJUL vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - July (GJUL) 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 GJUL returned +11.88% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GJUL is up 7.26% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GJUL compounded at +13.56% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, GJUL has the edge at +12.49% annualized vs +8.79%. 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 6.4% for GJUL. 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 -10.7% for GJUL 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GJUL 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, GJUL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GJUL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, GJUL or SPY?
GJUL 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, GJUL or SPY?
Over the past year GJUL returned +11.88% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GJUL annualized +12.49% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GJUL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.4% for GJUL. Worst drawdown: GJUL -10.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GJUL and SPY?
GJUL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 GJUL and SPY?
GJUL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GJUL or SPY?
GJUL yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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