FFDI 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

MetricFFDISPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.09%
AUM$20M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.99%1.01%
Holdings110505
YTD Return+9.37%+13.79%
1Y Return+12.98%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)12.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-14.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFidelity Investments (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 19, 2024Jan 22, 1993

FFDI vs SPY Performance

Fidelity Fundamental Developed International ETF (FFDI) 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 FFDI returned +12.98% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FFDI is up 9.37% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.5% for FFDI. 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 -14.4% for FFDI 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FFDI charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFDI currently yields 1.99% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FFDI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 598 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, FFDI or SPY?

FFDI has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FFDI or SPY?

Over the past year FFDI returned +12.98% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FFDI annualized +19.48% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FFDI or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for FFDI. Worst drawdown: FFDI -14.4% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both FFDI and SPY?

FFDI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FFDI and SPY?

FFDI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 598 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FFDI or SPY?

FFDI yields 1.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FFDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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