SPY vs XMAR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | XMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $156M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +8.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +11.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +11.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 3.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -7.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 17, 2023 |
SPY vs XMAR 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 - March (XMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while XMAR returned +11.57%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 8.24% for XMAR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +11.02% for XMAR. Across the full 3-year window we track, XMAR has the edge at +11.58% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 3.3% for XMAR. 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 -7.3% for XMAR. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XMAR 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 XMAR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XMAR 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 XMAR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XMAR 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 XMAR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +11.57% for XMAR, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +11.58% for XMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XMAR?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.3% for XMAR. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XMAR -7.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and XMAR?
SPY and XMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XMAR?
SPY and XMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XMAR?
SPY yields 1.01% while XMAR yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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