NTRL vs SPY
First Trust Equity Market Neutral 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 | NTRL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $16M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -10.93% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.82% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NTRL vs SPY Performance
First Trust Equity Market Neutral ETF (NTRL) 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 NTRL returned -10.82% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, NTRL is down 10.93% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -25.2% for NTRL and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NTRL charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NTRL currently yields 2.92% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NTRL 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, NTRL or SPY?
NTRL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NTRL or SPY?
Over the past year NTRL returned -10.82% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), NTRL annualized -11.21% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between NTRL and SPY?
NTRL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NTRL or SPY?
NTRL yields 2.92% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NTRL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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