RDVI vs SPY
FT Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income 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 | RDVI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.74% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 73 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.19% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.17% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.85% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 19, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RDVI vs SPY Performance
FT Vest Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (RDVI) 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 RDVI returned +20.17% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, RDVI is up 13.19% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, RDVI compounded at +18.85% per year against +21.83% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, RDVI has the edge at +19.68% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.0% for RDVI. 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 -18.4% for RDVI 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RDVI charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDVI currently yields 7.74% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RDVI and SPY share 64 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RDVI or SPY?
RDVI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDVI or SPY?
Over the past year RDVI returned +20.17% vs +20.57% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), RDVI annualized +19.68% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDVI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for RDVI. Worst drawdown: RDVI -18.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RDVI and SPY?
RDVI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RDVI and SPY?
RDVI and SPY share 64 common holdings with a 23.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDVI or SPY?
RDVI yields 7.74% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RDVI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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