FIGB 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

MetricFIGBSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.36%0.09%
AUM$507M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.45%1.01%
Holdings760505
YTD Return+0.03%+13.50%
1Y Return+2.05%+23.56%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.26%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.20%+13.46%
Volatility (annualized)6.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-18.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFidelity Investments (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 2, 2021Jan 22, 1993

FIGB vs SPY Performance

Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF (FIGB) 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 FIGB returned +2.05% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, FIGB is up 0.03% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.

Over three years, FIGB compounded at +4.26% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.20% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.34%. 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 6.3% for FIGB. 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 -18.1% for FIGB 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FIGB charges 0.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $9 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIGB currently yields 4.45% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FIGB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 517 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, FIGB or SPY?

FIGB has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FIGB or SPY?

Over the past year FIGB returned +2.05% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FIGB annualized +0.34% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FIGB or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.3% for FIGB. Worst drawdown: FIGB -18.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both FIGB and SPY?

FIGB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FIGB and SPY?

FIGB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FIGB or SPY?

FIGB yields 4.45% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FIGB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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