SPY vs XISE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - September
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 | SPY | XISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $36M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.92% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +0.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +2.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +5.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 15, 2023 |
SPY vs XISE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - September (XISE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while XISE returned +2.10%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 0.46% for XISE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +5.20% for XISE. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +5.20%. 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 2.4% for XISE. 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 -6.2% for XISE. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XISE 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 5.92% for XISE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XISE 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, SPY or XISE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XISE 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 XISE?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +2.10% for XISE, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +5.20% for XISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XISE?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.4% for XISE. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XISE -6.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and XISE?
SPY and XISE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XISE?
SPY and XISE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XISE?
SPY yields 1.01% while XISE yields 5.92%, so XISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.