MISL vs SPY
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense 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 | MISL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $750M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.46% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.18% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.85% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MISL vs SPY Performance
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) 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 MISL returned +23.18% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, MISL is up 6.46% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, MISL compounded at +26.85% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, MISL has the edge at +25.13% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MISL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -17.9% for MISL 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MISL charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MISL currently yields 0.34% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MISL and SPY share 13 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MISL or SPY?
MISL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MISL or SPY?
Over the past year MISL returned +23.18% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MISL annualized +25.13% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MISL or SPY?
MISL has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MISL -17.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MISL and SPY?
MISL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MISL and SPY?
MISL and SPY share 13 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MISL or SPY?
MISL yields 0.34% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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