JULM vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Max 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 | JULM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $30M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.87% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.35% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JULM vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - July (JULM) 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 JULM returned +6.35% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, JULM is up 3.87% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.7% for JULM. 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 -4.4% for JULM 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JULM 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, JULM currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JULM 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, JULM or SPY?
JULM 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, JULM or SPY?
Over the past year JULM returned +6.35% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), JULM annualized +7.00% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JULM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.7% for JULM. Worst drawdown: JULM -4.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JULM and SPY?
JULM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 JULM and SPY?
JULM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JULM or SPY?
JULM yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY 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.