FDMO vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFDMOSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.09%
AUM$957M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.58%1.01%
Holdings130505
YTD Return+12.81%+13.10%
1Y Return+22.36%+22.80%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.81%+20.98%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.42%+13.20%
Volatility (annualized)16.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-34.2%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFidelity Investments (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 12, 2016Jan 22, 1993

FDMO vs SPY Performance

Fidelity Momentum Factor ETF (FDMO) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FDMO returned +22.36% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, FDMO is up 12.81% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.

Over three years, FDMO compounded at +25.81% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.42% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FDMO has the edge at +14.91% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

FDMO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -34.2% for FDMO 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FDMO charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDMO currently yields 0.58% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

54.2%overlap

FDMO and SPY share 81 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.2% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FDMOWeight in SPYDifference
NVDA7.33%7.31%0.02%
AAPL6.06%7.09%1.03%
GOOGL5.95%3.32%2.63%
MSFTProProPro
AMZNProProPro
AVGOProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
MUProProPro
AMDProProPro
See all 10 holdings FDMO shares with SPY
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FDMO or SPY?

FDMO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FDMO or SPY?

Over the past year FDMO returned +22.36% vs +22.80% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FDMO annualized +14.91% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FDMO or SPY?

FDMO has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FDMO -34.2% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both FDMO and SPY?

FDMO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 FDMO and SPY?

FDMO and SPY share 81 common holdings with a 54.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FDMO or SPY?

FDMO yields 0.58% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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