RCTR vs SPY
RCTR vs SPY
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power 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 | RCTR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $26M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.47% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.17% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RCTR vs SPY Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) 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 RCTR returned +11.17% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, RCTR is up 2.47% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -19.0% for RCTR 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RCTR charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RCTR currently yields 0.40% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RCTR and SPY share 7 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RCTR | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEG | 5.25% | 0.12% | 5.13% |
| VST | 5.04% | 0.08% | 4.96% |
| DUK | 4.51% | 0.15% | 4.36% |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HII | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings RCTR shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RCTR or SPY?
RCTR has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RCTR or SPY?
Over the past year RCTR returned +11.17% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RCTR annualized +13.52% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RCTR or SPY?
RCTR has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RCTR -19.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RCTR and SPY?
RCTR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RCTR and SPY?
RCTR and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RCTR or SPY?
RCTR yields 0.40% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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