FLTB vs SPY
FLTB vs SPY
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLTB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $408M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 937 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.16% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.40% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.54% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.29% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 128.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLTB vs SPY Performance
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF (FLTB) 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 FLTB returned +3.40% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, FLTB is up 1.16% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, FLTB compounded at +5.54% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.29% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLTB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 128.3% 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 -73.5% for FLTB 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLTB charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLTB currently yields 4.76% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLTB and SPY share 1 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FLTB | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SATS | 0.04% | 0.02% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLTB or SPY?
FLTB has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLTB or SPY?
Over the past year FLTB returned +3.40% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), FLTB annualized +7.74% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLTB or SPY?
FLTB has been the more volatile fund at 128.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FLTB -73.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLTB and SPY?
FLTB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLTB and SPY?
FLTB and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLTB or SPY?
FLTB yields 4.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.