QMFE vs SPY
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February 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 | QMFE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $48M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.34% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.33% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QMFE vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February (QMFE) 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 QMFE returned +15.33% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, QMFE is up 10.34% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.3% for QMFE. 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 -11.8% for QMFE 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QMFE charges 0.90% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $9 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QMFE currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QMFE and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, QMFE or SPY?
QMFE has an expense ratio of 0.90% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QMFE or SPY?
Over the past year QMFE returned +15.33% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QMFE annualized +15.34% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QMFE or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.3% for QMFE. Worst drawdown: QMFE -11.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QMFE and SPY?
QMFE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 QMFE and SPY?
QMFE and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QMFE or SPY?
QMFE yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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