HUSV vs SPY
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF 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 | HUSV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $74M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.80% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.95% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.61% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.94% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HUSV vs SPY Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) 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 HUSV returned +4.95% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, HUSV is up 7.80% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, HUSV compounded at +9.61% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.94% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +8.43%. 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 13.2% for HUSV. 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 -35.7% for HUSV 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HUSV 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, HUSV currently yields 1.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HUSV and SPY share 99 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HUSV or SPY?
HUSV 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, HUSV or SPY?
Over the past year HUSV returned +4.95% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HUSV annualized +8.43% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HUSV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: HUSV -35.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HUSV and SPY?
HUSV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HUSV and SPY?
HUSV and SPY share 99 common holdings with a 21.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HUSV or SPY?
HUSV yields 1.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HUSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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