FTCS vs SPY
FTCS vs SPY
First Trust Capital Strength 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 | FTCS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.00% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTCS vs SPY Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) 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 FTCS returned +11.00% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FTCS is up 8.92% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +11.02% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -54.1% for FTCS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $9 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTCS and SPY share 50 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 2.28% | 7.09% | 4.81% |
| MSFT | 1.78% | 4.43% | 2.65% |
| GOOGL | 2.08% | 3.32% | 1.24% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MNST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTCS shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCS or SPY?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCS or SPY?
Over the past year FTCS returned +11.00% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FTCS annualized +8.75% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCS or SPY?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTCS -54.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTCS and SPY?
FTCS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCS and SPY?
FTCS and SPY share 50 common holdings with a 17.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or SPY?
FTCS yields 1.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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