LEGR vs SPY
First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. LEGR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LEGR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $131M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 112 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.97% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.80% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.10% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.83% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LEGR vs SPY Performance
First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) 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 LEGR returned +24.80% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, LEGR is up 11.97% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, LEGR compounded at +24.10% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.83% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, LEGR has the edge at +11.42% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LEGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -36.1% for LEGR 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LEGR 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, LEGR currently yields 1.79% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LEGR and SPY share 39 holdings out of 570 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LEGR or SPY?
LEGR 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, LEGR or SPY?
Over the past year LEGR returned +24.80% vs +21.82% for SPY, so LEGR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), LEGR annualized +11.42% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEGR or SPY?
LEGR has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LEGR -36.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LEGR and SPY?
LEGR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 LEGR and SPY?
LEGR and SPY share 39 common holdings with a 18.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 570 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEGR or SPY?
LEGR yields 1.79% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LEGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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