FGSM vs SPY
FGSM vs SPY
Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FGSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGSM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.82% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $50M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.80% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.79% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FGSM vs SPY Performance
Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) is a ETF from Frontier Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FGSM returned +31.79% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FGSM is up 18.80% 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 11.8% for FGSM. 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 -17.7% for FGSM 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSM charges 0.82% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $82 vs $9 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGSM currently yields 1.28% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FGSM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 509 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, FGSM or SPY?
FGSM has an expense ratio of 0.82% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGSM or SPY?
Over the past year FGSM returned +31.79% vs +23.66% for SPY, so FGSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FGSM annualized +26.02% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.8% for FGSM. Worst drawdown: FGSM -17.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FGSM and SPY?
FGSM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSM and SPY?
FGSM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSM or SPY?
FGSM yields 1.28% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FGSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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