FAI vs SPY
FAI vs SPY
First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $153M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +31.63% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.02% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 20, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FAI vs SPY Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) 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 FAI returned +48.02% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, FAI is up 31.63% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.5% 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 -27.8% for FAI 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAI charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAI currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FAI and SPY share 23 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAI | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.80% | 7.31% | 1.49% |
| MSFT | 8.09% | 4.43% | 3.66% |
| AMZN | 8.16% | 3.69% | 4.47% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PLTR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FAI shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAI or SPY?
FAI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAI or SPY?
Over the past year FAI returned +48.02% vs +23.56% for SPY, so FAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FAI annualized +41.43% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAI or SPY?
FAI has been the more volatile fund at 31.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FAI -27.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FAI and SPY?
FAI and SPY 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 FAI and SPY?
FAI and SPY share 23 common holdings with a 29.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAI or SPY?
FAI yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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