RSMR vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March 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 | RSMR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.97% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RSMR vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March (RSMR) 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 RSMR returned +13.97% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, RSMR is up 9.93% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.0% for RSMR. 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 -9.1% for RSMR 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSMR charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSMR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RSMR 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, RSMR or SPY?
RSMR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSMR or SPY?
Over the past year RSMR returned +13.97% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RSMR annualized +13.20% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSMR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.0% for RSMR. Worst drawdown: RSMR -9.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RSMR and SPY?
RSMR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSMR and SPY?
RSMR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSMR or SPY?
RSMR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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