IGLD vs SPY
FT Vest Gold Strategy 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 | IGLD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $547M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 21.43% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -8.48% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.98% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.94% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.03% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IGLD vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) 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 IGLD returned +11.98% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, IGLD is down 8.48% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, IGLD compounded at +19.94% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.03% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IGLD has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +8.82%. 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 13.7% for IGLD. 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 -28.1% for IGLD 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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGLD 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, IGLD currently yields 21.43% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGLD or SPY?
IGLD 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, IGLD or SPY?
Over the past year IGLD returned +11.98% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IGLD annualized +11.35% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGLD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for IGLD. Worst drawdown: IGLD -28.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IGLD and SPY?
IGLD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGLD or SPY?
IGLD yields 21.43% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.