HYTI vs SPY
FT Vest High Yield & Target Income 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYTI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $91M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.45% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.74% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.56% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HYTI vs SPY Performance
FT Vest High Yield & Target Income ETF (HYTI) 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 HYTI returned +5.56% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, HYTI is up 2.74% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.6% for HYTI. 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 -4.5% for HYTI 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYTI charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYTI currently yields 10.45% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYTI or SPY?
HYTI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYTI or SPY?
Over the past year HYTI returned +5.56% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HYTI annualized +6.49% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYTI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.6% for HYTI. Worst drawdown: HYTI -4.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HYTI and SPY?
HYTI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYTI or SPY?
HYTI yields 10.45% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HYTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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