QABA vs SPY
First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund 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 | QABA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $101M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 322 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.35% | +12.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.45% | +20.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.20% | +20.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.42% | +12.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QABA vs SPY Performance
First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund (QABA) 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 QABA returned +16.45% while SPY returned +20.30%. Year to date, QABA is up 18.35% versus a gain of 12.10% for SPY.
Over three years, QABA compounded at +19.20% per year against +20.82% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.42% and +12.53% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QABA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.5% 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 -51.0% for QABA 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QABA 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, QABA currently yields 2.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QABA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 664 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, QABA or SPY?
QABA 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, QABA or SPY?
Over the past year QABA returned +16.45% vs +20.30% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QABA annualized +8.03% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QABA or SPY?
QABA has been the more volatile fund at 22.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QABA -51.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QABA and SPY?
QABA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QABA and SPY?
QABA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 664 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QABA or SPY?
QABA yields 2.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QABA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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