SKYY vs SPY
First Trust Cloud Computing ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SKYY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SKYY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.76% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.78% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.82% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.96% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SKYY vs SPY Performance
First Trust Cloud Computing ETF (SKYY) 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 SKYY returned +33.78% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SKYY is up 24.76% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SKYY compounded at +27.82% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.96% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SKYY has the edge at +14.91% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SKYY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -53.2% for SKYY 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
SKYY charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SKYY currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SKYY and SPY share 22 holdings out of 545 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SKYY or SPY?
SKYY has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SKYY or SPY?
Over the past year SKYY returned +33.78% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SKYY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SKYY annualized +14.91% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SKYY or SPY?
SKYY has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SKYY -53.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SKYY and SPY?
SKYY 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 SKYY and SPY?
SKYY and SPY share 22 common holdings with a 14.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SKYY or SPY?
SKYY yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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