FTBI vs SPY
FTBI vs SPY
First Trust Balanced Income 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 | FTBI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $21M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.57% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.62% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTBI vs SPY Performance
First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FTBI is up 7.57% 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 6.2% for FTBI. 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 -5.3% for FTBI 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTBI charges 0.97% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $9 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTBI currently yields 7.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTBI 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, FTBI or SPY?
FTBI has an expense ratio of 0.97% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTBI or SPY?
Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTBI annualized +15.80% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTBI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.2% for FTBI. Worst drawdown: FTBI -5.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTBI and SPY?
FTBI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTBI and SPY?
FTBI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTBI or SPY?
FTBI yields 7.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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