SAUG vs SPY
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August 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 | SAUG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $110M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.35% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.43% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.09% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SAUG vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG) 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 SAUG returned +19.43% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SAUG is up 9.35% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SAUG compounded at +12.09% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SAUG has the edge at +12.09% annualized vs +8.84%. 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 10.1% for SAUG. 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 -14.6% for SAUG 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
SAUG 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, SAUG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SAUG 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, SAUG or SPY?
SAUG 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, SAUG or SPY?
Over the past year SAUG returned +19.43% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SAUG annualized +12.09% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAUG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for SAUG. Worst drawdown: SAUG -14.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SAUG and SPY?
SAUG 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 SAUG and SPY?
SAUG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAUG or SPY?
SAUG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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