SPY vs XDEC
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December
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 | SPY | XDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $202M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +6.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +10.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +9.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 17, 2021 |
SPY vs XDEC Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December (XDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while XDEC returned +10.06%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 6.24% for XDEC.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +9.79% for XDEC. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.15%. 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 6.9% for XDEC. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -11.8% for XDEC. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XDEC charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $85 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for XDEC.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XDEC 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, SPY or XDEC?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XDEC charges 0.85%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XDEC?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +10.06% for XDEC, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +8.15% for XDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XDEC?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.9% for XDEC. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XDEC -11.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and XDEC?
SPY and XDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XDEC?
SPY and XDEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XDEC?
SPY yields 1.01% while XDEC yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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